How did Liverpool change Real Madrid attacker Vinícius’ life?

Liverpool will never forget Vinícius Júnior. Real Madrid’s Brazilian star put in his first blockbuster performance for Los Blancos in the first leg of the Champions Leage quarter-finals in 2021, a game that was played in Valdebebas at an empty Estadio Alfredo di Stefano. That night, the attacker netted a double, which allowed Zinedine Zidane’s side to secure a 3-1 home victory, with a subsequent goalless draw at Anfield sealing their places in the semifinals. That was the day that the Vinicíus story changed.

Until then, the Brazilian had been in and out of Zidane’s starting eleven, playing from the off in 19 of the 36 games he was available for up until that point in the season. After scoring twice in the win over the Reds, however, he established himself as a regular in the side, starting in 12 of the last 13 games of the season. Despite the fact that Madrid finished trophyless, the signs were there that Vinícius would go on to become an important player for them in the future.

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Vinícius’ added confidence and belief

The following season (2021-22), there was no question over whether Vinícius should be a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s strongest team and he added goals to his game. That Champions League game from months earlier had given the winger a huge confidence boost and the belief that he could become a leader for this Madrid team. Vinícius’ mentality changed and his ability to stay calm in front of goal (which had previously been his Achilles heel) saw him become a crucial player for Ancelotti. Alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, he is now one the contenders to be the world’s biggest soccer star across the next decade. As things stand, Vinícius is only four goals shy of his tally from last season; it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t better it come June.

How many goals has Vinícius scored against Liverpool?

Liverpool are one of Vinícius’ favourite victims. The Brazilian has faced the Merseysiders on four occasions (the 2020-21 Champions League quarter-finals, the 2021-22 final and Tuesday’s round of 16 first leg in this year’s competition), in which he has scored five goals including the winner in the final in Paris which gave Madrid their 14th European Cup/Champions League win. He has also provided one assist in three victories and a draw against the Reds.

What percentage of his Champions League goals has Vinícius scored against Liverpool?

The Brazil international has scored a total of 14 goals in the Champions League, 36% of which have come against Liverpool. His performance at Anfield on Tuesday was undoubtedly one of best in a white shirt in Europe and is yet more proof that he is right up there with the best on the planet. The tie may already be “over”, as Jürgen Klopp claimed, but Vinícius will be rubbing his hands at the thought of facing the Premier League giants in the return leg.