Real Madrid booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 (5-1 aggregate) win over Manchester City. Alvaro Arbeloa's men prevailed at the Etihad last night courtesy of a Vinicius Junior brace.
Vinicius first netted from the penalty spot after Bernardo Silva used his arm while on the goalline to deny a certain goal from the Brazilian. The Portuguese midfielder was sent off and Pep Guardiola held his head in his hands.
Gianluigi Donnaraumma was sent the wrong way by Vinicius to make it 1-0. But City tried to show fighting spirit and Erling Haaland gave them hope by tapping in from close range.
Vinicius wrapped up the victory late on when he got on the end of Aurelien Tchouameni's ball into the box. It was another excellent win which means Madrid meet Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
Trent waxes lyrical about young duo
Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a decent display amid scrutiny over his defending. He was full of praise for his teammates after the win.
The former Liverpool man said (via Madrid Xtra):
“Thiago, ‘Mami’ players like this have really stepped up for us. Rudiger, Huijsen were outstanding. Valverde put a performance that’s one of the best we’ve ever seen. Vinicius tonight, Aurelien too. Everyone is working.”
Last night it was Vinicius who stole the show but the top performer over both legs was Federico Valverde. The Uruguyan midfielder scored a stunning first-half hat-trick in the first leg last week.
Alexander-Arnold was particularly impressed to see two youngsters step up. Thiago Pitarch, 18, started both legs and was a key man in midfield, undoubtedly claiming a starting berth in the Los Blancos team.
Manuel Angel (Mami), 22, came off the bench and caught the eye with a fine display. It was a perfect night not just because of the result and the club's European campaign continuing.
But two of Los Merengues' brightest prospects shined on the bigges stage and it bodes well for the future. For so long the club have relied on the transfer market and signing world class players or those expected to become superstars.
The future is bright
Pitarch and Angel are product's of Madrid's academy and as such are evidence that the youth setup is working. Arbeloa does deserve acknowledgement for placing his trust in youth and he is reaping the rewards.
There's a good chance both Pitarch and Angel get their first taste of a Madrid derby on Sunday (March 22nd). Real host Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu amid a title race with Barcelona, sitting four points behind Hansi Flick's La Liga leaders.