Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 4:48AM GMT Mon, 28th October, 2024

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on Vinicius Junior, following the Brazilian forward’s spectacular performance in their 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. The 24-year-old delivered a second-half hat-trick that stunned the visiting German side, leading Real Madrid to a dramatic comeback after being two goals down at half-time.

Ancelotti expressed his confidence that Vinicius Junior would claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or, an award given to the world’s best footballer. “Vinicius is going to win [the Ballon d’Or], not because of what he did tonight, but because of what he did last year. These three goals are already going to count for next year’s Ballon d’Or, that’s for sure,” Ancelotti stated at the post-match press conference.

The match against Borussia Dortmund, a rematch of last season’s final, was far from smooth sailing for the Spanish giants. By the end of the first half, Real Madrid found themselves trailing 2-0, despite having home advantage. Yet, the half-time break proved pivotal as Ancelotti restructured his team and gave them the motivation needed for a memorable second-half turnaround.

Vinicius Junior: The Game Changer

In his speech to the media, Ancelotti highlighted Vinicius’ remarkable attitude and performance on the pitch, which went far beyond his hat-trick. “What I can say is that it’s rare to see a player who plays a second half like Vinicius did. And not because of the three goals but because of his character; he’s extraordinary,” said the Italian coach. He emphasized that Vinicius’ ability to change the momentum of the game is what sets him apart from other top players, particularly in high-stakes moments.

The forward’s flair, combined with his keen eye for goal, has made him a target of opposition fans, but Ancelotti sees this as a mark of his greatness. “He is a player who gets whistled at because he can make a difference,” the coach added.

Calm in the Storm: Ancelotti’s Tactical Masterclass

Despite the two-goal deficit, Ancelotti revealed that there was no sense of panic in the Real Madrid locker room during the break. “We lived it calmly, calmly [over the break]. We changed the system and came back playing more intensely,” he said. The Madrid coach’s strategy involved subtle adjustments to the team’s style of play, focusing on tightening passing accuracy and winning duels on the pitch.

“We were timid in the first half, we weren’t intense on the ball, and in the second half, we did better with more quality, more pressure. It was the best second half of the season,” Ancelotti explained. His words reflect a calculated yet flexible approach that paid dividends as Real Madrid quickly dominated the game after the break, with Vinicius at the forefront.

Looking Ahead: Lessons for the Future

Despite the emphatic victory, Ancelotti was quick to caution that Madrid must avoid the complacency that allowed Dortmund to establish a two-goal lead. “We have to learn from what we did in the second half. The aim is to start the game and not wait for them to put two past us,” he said, acknowledging that while the team’s intensity in the second half was exceptional, maintaining that level of play for the entire 90 minutes is not feasible.

“We can’t play 90 minutes with the intensity of the second half, but we can be more balanced,” Ancelotti added, looking ahead to future matches in the campaign.

Vinicius Junior: A Star in the Making

Vinicius Junior’s rise to global football prominence has been meteoric, with his consistent performances in the Champions League and domestic competitions drawing attention from football experts and fans alike. The Brazilian forward has solidified his position as one of Real Madrid’s key players, and if Ancelotti’s prediction comes true, a Ballon d’Or could soon adorn his already glittering career.

As the Champions League season progresses, all eyes will be on Vinicius, who continues to prove that he is not only a rising star but a game-changing force in world football. His next challenge will be to maintain his form as Real Madrid sets its sights on further glory in Europe and beyond.

Meta Description: Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti predicts Vinicius Junior will win the Ballon d’Or following his hat-trick in their 5-2 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund.