Real Madrid will be hoping Vinicius Junior can replicate stunning performances he's previously put in against Manchester City when the two sides meet on Wednesday. Alvaro Arbeloa's men host Pep Guardiola's Cityzens in the first-leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
It was inevitable that Madrid and City would meet when the draw took place. The fixture seems a given every single year and they will battle for a second time this season.
The two European giants faced one another at the Santiago Bernabeu during the league pase. City won 2-1 on that occasion, coming from behind to prevail courtesy of an Erling Haaland penalty.
Vinicius relishes English opposition
Vinicius suprisingly wasn't on the scoresheet in that game although he was enduring a dismal spell in front of goal at the time. He has since bounced back and reclaimed his status as one of Europe's deadliest wingers.
The Brazilian has been ruthless when coming up against Premier League opposition in Los Merengues colors. He has been a thorn in Guardiola's side, registering seven goal contributions in 10 games when facing City.
Vinicius vs Premier League clubs:
Club: | Man City | Liverpool | Chelsea | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Games: | 10 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
Goals: | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
Assists: | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Vinicius' record against Liverpool is even more impressive, managing seven goal contributions in six games. He also has four assists in six against Chelsea and one goal in two games against Arsenal.
It bodes well for Madrid who need their Brazilian to step up amid the likelihood of Kylian Mbappe being absent. The French forward is recovering from a knee sprain and he doesn't have much chance of making the first-leg.
Vinicius: We want to attack
Vinicius has looked to galvanise his teammates and Madridistas ahead of their Champions League encounter with City. He knows that Arbeloa's men must be at their best to beat the Premier League giants.
The 25-year-old said (via ReadManCity):
“We want to attack, we want to dominate, we want see the great Real Madrid version, the team that fights for every ball. Against Man City, we must be perfect. We ask the fans to do what they always do, push us, making the Bernabéu a very difficult place for them."
Vinicius must be careful and steer clear of any disciplinary issues because he is at risk of suspension. If the Brazilian picks up a booking on Wednesday he will miss the second leg at the Etihad on March 17th.
That would be a nightmare for Arbeloa to lose Vinicius amid Mbappe's absence. Jude Bellingham is also expected to sit out the tie as he is continuing to rehabiliate a hamstring injury.