Vinicius will go down as the hero on a great European night for Real Madrid, with the Brazilian netting two goals in the 3-1 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, setting Los Blancos up nicely for the second leg as they look to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.

The match will be fondly remebered as Vinicius’ coming of age. The 20-year-old forward netted the opening goal on the 27th minute, expertly latching on to a stunning Toni Kroos pass before driving the ball home. That was followed up by another Madrid goal from Marco Asensio eight minutes later. Liverpool clawed one back through Mohamed Salah early in the second half before Vinicius restored Madrid’s two-goal advantage in the 64th minute.

After the game, which will go down as his greatest in a Madrid shirt to date, the young Brazilian striker spoke to Spanish broadcaster Movistar about the work he has put in to reach this point and how he “has given everything” for the Real Madrid shirt.

Real Madrid's Vinicius speaks after masterclass against Liverpool

A very important victory: “It was very important to win, this is the Champions League and 3-1 is a good result. We have worked a lot this year to get to this moment of the season – the most important – winning every game. And that’s what we're doing.”

Salah goal: “We didn't let them create anything, they attacked once and scored a goal. We have to continue like this. We train so that this does not happen, the coach helps us to stay calm and we have done everything Zidane asked of us very well.”

Do those two goals take a load off your shoulders?: “Those on the outside talk, but I always work. My teammates give me the strength I need to attack at the important moments and score the goals that are needed.”

Kroos’ pass for the first goal: "Toni is incredible, a great player, he is a club legend and when he plays he has a level of class that no one else has. I thank him for that pass."

Why did you point to the badge after scoring?: “Because I work a lot, I dreamed of playing for Madrid, with the best and that is why we have that desire, that is why I work at home and at the club. We always want the best for the team and everyone at the club."

Before the game, it was a 50-50 tie. And now?: “It remains the same, Liverpool have a good team and we will go and give everything there to win. We have to be focused like today and win.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, how tired are you after that game?: "Ten (laughs). But it's good to come out and play like this, I have given everything for this shirt that I love so much.”