Vinicius Junior was the standout star for Real Madrid during their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, while Erling Haaland failed to make an impact on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
But that the just about the only time that the pair were level, as Vinicius Jr clearly came out on top in a Champions League semi-final first leg which also happened to be a clash of two of world football’s most in-form players. The Real Madrid winger spectacularly fired his team in front after 36 minutes of Man City dominance, as he unleashed a stunning strike from 20 yards out to beat Ederson.
Vinicius Jr has now scored or assisted in every game he’s played since the March international break, including in Sunday’s Copa del Rey final victory over Osasuna. Haaland, meanwhile, is now without a goal in his last two games – practically full-on goal drought territory for the striking sensation.
But the pair were seen showing mutual respect post-match, as they met on the pitch and shared a good-spirited conversation. Vinicius Jr will come away with far more plaudits, having proven himself in yet another big game, just as he did in the Champions League final last year.
Still only 22, the Brazil continues to impress and was a thorn in Kyle Walker ‘s side all evening. His tremendous goal came against the run of play, profiting from a superb run by team-mate Eduardo Camavinga.
Haaland even had more of a sight of goal in the game, twice denied in the kind of positions he loves to score from. Receiving the ball on the left-hand side of the box minutes before Vinicius Jr’s opener, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was there to deny him.
And so too was centre-back David Alaba, whose perfectly-executed slide challenge blocked a stronger effort from Haaland in the second half. It perhaps felt like deja vu for the Norwegian powerhouse, who also struggled against Leeds on Saturday and failed to extend his incredible tally of 51 goals in all competitions this season.
Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland appeared to both be in good spirits
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on his defenders, with Alaba’s partner, Antonio Rudiger, also doing well to deny Haaland any joy in front of goal. “Defensively we were good. Rudiger against Haaland did well and the midfield had control,” Ancelotti noted. “The performance was good and we are happy. We have strong motivation for the next game.”
Both players can certainly be spoken about in the same breath as Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and world football’s other true superstars right now. And both Haaland and Vinicius Jr will hope to prove the difference in the second leg, with the tie finely poised ahead of next Wednesday’s clash in Manchester.
