Vinicius Jr Settles It Again as Real Madrid March Into Last 16
Vinicius Jr scored a clinical finish to put Real Madrid 2-1 up against Benfica, repeating his controversial corner flag celebration in the process.
Vinicius Jr did what he does best in the Champions League — turned up when it mattered, scored a beauty, and then wound everyone up with a dance. Classic Vini.
The Goal Itself
This wasn’t some scrappy tap-in. Vinicius received the ball in behind from Valverde, left Otamendi for dead in the footrace, and slotted it low to the far post past Ukrainian keeper Trubin. Composed, precise, and absolutely ruthless. The Bernabéu loved every second of it.
The goal made it 2-1 in the second leg of their Champions League play-off against Benfica, effectively putting the tie to bed and booking Madrid’s place in the last 16.
The Celebration That Keeps On Giving
Now, if you thought the corner flag dance was a one-off in Lisbon last week, think again. Vini went straight back to the same routine at the Bernabéu, and honestly, you’ve got to admire the commitment to the bit.
Benfica boss José Mourinho wasn’t exactly chuffed about the original celebration, saying after the first leg that goals should be celebrated “with your teammates — and that’s it.” He also had a word about the Prestianni incident that had been doing the rounds. Vini’s response? Do the dance again, in front of his own fans this time, just to make absolutely sure everyone got the message.
On a Proper Roll
Beyond the theatrics, there’s a genuinely impressive streak to acknowledge here:
- Vinicius has now equalled his best-ever run of consecutive scoring games in a Real Madrid shirt
- Back in 2022/23, he scored in five straight matches — Mallorca, Celtic, Betis, Espanyol and Celta Vigo
- This season he’s matched that run, but with six goals in total thanks to a brace against Real Sociedad, one more than he managed in that previous streak
- The man is in form, full stop
Why It Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the noise around Vinicius — the celebrations, the controversies, the constant chatter — but strip all that away and you’re left with a player who keeps delivering in the big moments. Champions League knockout football, pressure on, and he’s the one popping up with the decisive goal.
Madrid have had their wobbles this season, but when Vini is firing like this, they’ve always got a chance. The last 16 awaits, and on this evidence, teams will not be fancying their chances against him.