Real Madrid News
Mr. Champions League – Numbers prove Real Madrid megastar could inherit the throne from Ronaldo and Messi
Real Madrid’s elimination of Manchester City largely revolved around Vinicius Jr., who delivered when the team needed him the most.
After already influencing the first leg, Vinicius took complete control in the return fixture, scoring twice and shutting down any hopes of a comeback from Pep Guardiola’s side.
In fact, what we are witnessing now feels like a shift in hierarchy at the top of European football.
Simply put, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi no longer driving the story, a new figure has stepped forward.
Interestingly, right now, no attacker is influencing the knockout ties quite like Vinicius. Not Kylian Mbappe, not Erling Haaland, it is Vinicius.
A look at the numbers
As per Mundo Deportivo, since making his Champions League debut in the 2018-19 season, Vinicius has been directly involved in 29 goals in knockout matches alone, scoring 16 goals and 13 assists.
Even more telling is his recent run, as the Brazilian has now scored in five consecutive knockout matches, a streak that stretches across multiple ties and seasons.
From previous campaigns, where Real Madrid were eliminated by Arsenal, to this latest clash against Manchester City, he has consistently delivered in the moments that define European success.
There is no comparison
When compared to his closest rivals, Mbappe sits behind with 22 goal contributions in knockout matches, while Robert Lewandowski follows with 21.
In fact, across the last ten seasons, Vinicius still leads in attacking contributions in knockout football, edging both players once again.
Under Alvaro Arbeloa, his importance has only increased. All five of his goals in this season’s Champions League have come under the current manager, with four of them arriving in knockout matches.
Judging by the outcome, it can be argued that even if Real Madrid face Bayern Munich next, the Bavarians will have to do a lot to disturb his confidence.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
