The Brazilian winger, named UEFA’s man of the match, orchestrated the rout with several dazzling dribbles, two assists, and a spectacular goal.
Sign up here.
However, the 25-year-old admitted after the match that the booing he has faced from the Bernabeu crowd in recent weeks had taken its toll.
“This performance means a lot, because of everything that has been happening in recent days,” Vinicius told TNT Sports.
Fans were left disillusioned after a turbulent month that included a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, an embarrassing 3-2 Copa del Rey exit to second-division Albacete, and the abrupt sacking of manager Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge.
Media reports of internal tensions, including clashes between Alonso and Vinicius, further darkened the mood at the Bernabeu.
But Tuesday’s emphatic display, led by Vinicius, appeared to turn the tide.
“The only thing I can do is on the pitch – to give my all. I won’t always be technically perfect, but I will always give 100% for the team,” Vinicius said.
“I don’t want to be booed at home, where I feel comfortable. But the fans have their rights, and I am here to evolve. I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time.”
Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinicius has been integral to the club’s successes, winning the Champions League twice. He scored in both finals – against Liverpool in 2022 and Borussia Dortmund in 2024, the year he also won FIFA’s The Best Award.
Reporting by Fernando Kallas
Editing by Toby Davis
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
