Now, there should be fewer debates about who deserves the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid did it again! What Spain calls “remontada,” similar to a comeback, happened in their recent Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
Madrid team trailed 0-2 at halftime but scored five goals in second half, with Vinicius Junior netting three of them. European media praised Spanish club’s comeback and highlighted Brazilian forward’s performance.
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“Vinícius stepped up when his teammates needed him most. He showed world why he deserves Ballon d’Or more than anyone else. The Paris theater awaits Vinícius with open arms to crown him the best footballer in world. His latest performance serves as a reminder of some memes that circulated on social media when things didn’t go his way. There’s a saying: ‘He laughs best who laughs last.’ At just 24, he is a unique talent with no one able to stop him. He displayed his endless magic and saved Ancelotti’s team in Matchday 3 of Champions League.
Viní always gives his all, even when things don’t start well. By the 80th minute, he plays with same intensity and enthusiasm as he did at kickoff. Opponents eventually realize they can’t tire him out.
“They play poorly in first half and excellently in the second. If this part of the plan is known only in Madrid, we have no choice but to accept it. They always find a way to succeed. Honestly, it’s hard to explain. Real Madrid confuses even the most rational thinkers. Their match against Borussia bordered on paranoia. They want to win and are doing everything to achieve that goal. Madrid’s tactics work. They exist in a parallel reality where nothing is impossible. Partly, they were aided by Borussia’s coach, who brought on another defender.”
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At 39, Luka Modrić has probably had hundreds of such nights. But they involved Kylian Mbappé while also boosting their own self-esteem. Classic.
Kicker: “We quietly entered the locker room and said just one thing.”
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“By halftime, you might have rubbed your eyes in disbelief. Reigning Champions League winners were losing at home, and it was deserved. In second half, Real showed a different face. What happened during the break? ‘We entered the locker room in silence, listened to the coach, and said one thing: if we score first goal, we’ll get back in game,’ Vinícius said after match. Real ruthlessly dismantled Borussia, who couldn’t cope even with introduction of another defender. Madrid executed another remontada, with Vinícius playing a crucial role on field.”
Bild: “Borussia experienced true horror.”
“They came so close to success, but Real struck back after the break. Şahin brought on another defender, but the Borussia coach’s plan failed completely. Real surged forward, and nothing could stop them. A magical evening in Madrid—unfortunately, not for Borussia.
“Real had a disaster in first half, relying on Vinícius, who scored a hat trick after break. It remains unclear whether Brazilian will become the next Ballon d’Or winner, but he is certainly leading candidate. His performance against Borussia should settle any debate about his deserving of award.
“At halftime, many wondered if it would be a wonderful evening for Dortmund. However, history often proves otherwise, and it happened again. Real won, just as always. An impressive second half underscored their claims to a trophy they consider their own. The match ended with thunder and lightning, although it didn’t start well for hosts. Madrid left pitch to boos at halftime but was greeted with roars from fans after final whistle. This soundtrack is familiar for endless comebacks at Bernabéu.
“Real fans chanted Vinícius’s name, and player expressed his desire to stay at club forever. He helped team recover from 0-2 against Borussia. He couldn’t have picked a better moment for his hat trick, especially with Ballon d’Or ceremony just a week away. Many believe race for award is already over. In any case, Vinícius’s performance in match against Dortmund strengthens his position.”
Club vice president Emilio Butragueño said, “This performance justifies Vinícius’s move to the Bernabéu. He possesses strength, control, and technique. His third goal? The way he ran half the field and shot… Vinícius reminded me of Pelé.”
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti added, “I believe Vinícius will receive Ballon d’Or. But not just for tonight; it’s about what he achieved last season. Vinícius helped us win Champions League. Rarely do players perform in second half like he did. Vinícius showed character and ran with extraordinary energy.”
Player Lucas Vázquez said, “Vinícius does incredible things. He proved again that he can make a difference. His second half is what we need to show kids. He has an incredible hunger for success.”