The moment Vinicius scored a remarkably similar goal to the one he sunk Liverpool with in the Champions League final… in training at the Stade de France on the day before Real Madrid conquered Europe!
- Champions League final hero scored a similar goal just hours before big clash
- Vinicius warmed up for final with his now trademark back-post finish
- It happened on the same Stade de France pitch that he would score on again
- The Brazilian international has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or by Neymar
Footage has emerged of Real Madrid hero Vinicius scoring a goal eerily similar to his Champions League final winner, just hours before the showpiece in Paris.
The Brazilian international evaded the clutches of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold to tap home the winner from a low cross across the six-yard box from the right, handing the Spanish giants a 14th success in the competition.
But the goal looks to have been constructed on the training ground the day before the final as Madrid were fine-tuning their preparations.
Vinicius celebrates his goal against Liverpool in the Champions League final last Saturday
He nipped in at the back post to score the winning goal for Real Madrid past Alisson
Footage has emerged of Vinicius scoring a remarkably similar goal only the day before
The training ground drill shows that, just as he did in the final, Vinicius arrives late at the back post to fire home from close range following a low cross from the right, leading some to believe it was all part of a plan.
To add to the sense of deja vu, the goal in training was scored during a session on the very same pitch at the Stade de France where he would score in club football’s biggest game only hours later.
The Brazilian’s stock is rising after a stuttering start to life in the Spanish capital following a £38million move from Flamengo in 2018, aged just 18.
Fans sat up and took notice after his goal in the semi-final first leg against Manchester City at the Etihad.
It was the turning point for Madrid who were 3-1 down at the time and the tie slipping away as City flexed their muscle.
He beautifully turned Fernandinho before bearing down on goal and coolly slotting past compatriot Ederson to give Los Blancos hope.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed his best season at Real Madrid, boasting 22 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions, providing a perfect foil for top scorer Karim Benzema.
The Brazilian has cemented himself this season as a key player for Carlo Ancelotti and the Italian coach’s faith in the pacy forward paid off with Saturday night’s winner.
Vinicius had been linked with a move away as recently as last year with Paris Saint-Germain particularly interested but their efforts were rebuffed by Madrid who see him as the future of the club.
The Brazilian forward gets his hands and lips on the Champions League trophy
The forward has earned rave reviews this season not least from compatriot Neymar who sees no reason why he should not be in the mix for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
‘The Ballon d’Or? Based on the games I have seen, I would give it to Vinicius,’ said Neymar in the wake of the Champions League heroics.
Vinicius looks to be a shoe-in for Brazil ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this November.
He has 21 caps for his country, scoring once in a World Cup qualifier against Chile in March.
