Real Madrid saw off Benfica with a 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) win at the Estadio Bernabeu last night to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. It's been a difficult European campaign for Los Blancos but they are headed to the knockout rounds of the competition.
Vinicius Junior came to the fore once again after scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over the Portuguese giants in the first-leg of the two sides' play-off. The Brazilian winger sealed another victory with another fine strike and danced near the corner flag with the perfect response to the ongoing racism row.
Arbeloa has got the best out of Vinicius since he replaced Xabi Alonso as caretaker manager in January. The 25-year-old had stumbled under Alonso but is now his team's "leader" ahead of a last 16 clash with either Manchester City or Sporting CP.
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica: Arbeloa on Vinicius' importance
Madrid didn't put in a convincing performance but it was the result that counted most. They fell behind when Rafa Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute.
This didn't last long though as Aurelien Tchouameni soon equalised two minutes later to put the hosts back in front on aggregate. Vinicius sealed the deal in the 80th minute with a lovely low-driven effort that ensured Jose Mourinho's men were sent packing.
Arbeloa spoke after the game about his Brazilian superstar and the role he played in the victory. He suggested he is going to focus his team on the in-form attacker (via Madrid Zone):
"We will build our gameplan around Vini Jr. We needed him even with Mbappe, and now that we don't have Kylian, we will need Vini even more. He's our leader."
Vinicius took his tally for the season to 13 goals and 11 assists in 37 games across competitions. He has silenced his critics who had even suggested his time at the Bernabeu might need to come to and end.
No Mbappe or Bellingham
Madrid were given a massive headache ahead of the clash with Benfica when Kylian Mbappe was ruled out with a knee injury. Arbeloa suggested it won't be a short-term recovery process for the French forward which means Vinicius will need to continue his blistering form.
The La Liga giants are already without Jude Bellingham who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The English midfielder isn't expected back until April, meaning he'll likely miss the last 16 encounter against City or Sporting.
Mbappe's availability is unclear but the pressure will be on Vinicius helping guide his team into the final stretch of the season. They trail Barcelona by one point in the La Liga title race and next up is Getafe on Monday (March 2nd).