Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace has performed better than Ronaldo in UCL, staring at Messi, Neymar’s records
Vinicius Jr. recently made Champions League history by becoming the youngest player to feature in 80 matches in the competition, beating the record previously held by teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The Brazilian marked such an occasion with a brilliant performance, notably scoring a brace in the 2-1 win over Manchester City that helped Real Madrid advance to the quarterfinals.
This is not the first time Vinicius Jr. has stepped up in the Champions League either, as the forward generally tends to play more freely in Europe’s coveted competition.
Vinicius’ superb record in UCL
As pointed out by Diario AS, Vinicius’ statistics are already eclipsing those of the competition’s all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Before turning 26, Ronaldo had played 64 matches with 26 goals and 13 assists. In comparison, Vinicius has already reached 80 matches, boasting an incredible 34 goals and 26 assists.
This gap becomes even more significant in the high-stakes knockout rounds, where Vinicius has registered 26 goals and 13 assists, far outperforming Ronaldo’s 16 goals at the same age.
Beyond the Ronaldo comparisons, the Real Madrid star is now firmly staring at the records of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
In knockout matches alone, he has been involved in 29 goals across 39 appearances, a tally that places him second only to Messi, who had 35 involvements at that age.
Furthermore, he is already the most productive Brazilian in Champions League knockout history, having been involved in seven more goals than Neymar and six more than Kaka.
With 60 total goal involvements already in the bag, Vinicius is well on his way to surpassing Neymar’s record of 73 to become the most successful Brazilian in the tournament’s history.
His clinical form at the Etihad also highlights a growing trend; he has now scored four times against Manchester City, with three of those strikes coming in their own stadium.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
