Real Madrid News
Real Madrid MVP reveals what fuels him after derby win: ‘When this time of the season comes…’
When the pressure rises, some players fade, and others take control. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. continues to prove he belongs in the latter category.
In one of the most intense fixtures of the season, the Brazilian forward once again delivered, leading Real Madrid to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.
The derby at the Santiago Bernabeu had everything – intensity, momentum swings, and moments of real quality. But it was Vinicius who ultimately made the difference.
His brace not only brought Madrid back into the game but also sealed the win, underlining his growing influence in decisive matches.
Happy with the performance
After the final whistle, Vinicius reflected on both the performance and the collective effort shown by the team.
Speaking about how Madrid approached the game and their ability to respond after conceding, he said,
“I’m very happy with the match we played and how we controlled it from the start. We conceded a goal, but we are evolving and working hard for matches like these.
“I’m a very happy Madridista today because of the victory, the goals, and the fact that the fans can enjoy it so much.
“It’s a derby, and Madrid always wins,” he said on Real Madrid TV.
Credit where it’s due
While his individual contribution was decisive, the Brazilian shifted the focus towards the team.
In a squad filled with world-class talent, he emphasised that success comes from collective understanding and execution.
“The credit goes to everyone—the coach, the players, the fans… we were clear from the start about our game plan, and that made the difference.”
Even so, there was no hiding his satisfaction on a personal level. Vinicius has developed a reputation for stepping up in key moments. Reflecting on his own form and mindset, he explained,
“I feel very happy because I’ve worked hard throughout the season for matches like these, and when this time of the season comes, I don’t know what happens to me.
“I always improve, I always score goals, I provide assists, and that’s what we players are here for.
“The president always tells me I have to score two goals, so I scored these two goals for him.”
However, despite the momentum Real Madrid are building, there was also a note of concern.
With the season reaching its most critical stretch, any interruption can have an impact. Addressing the upcoming international break and its timing, Vinicius admitted,
“It’s a shame; we’re on a good run right now… hopefully we can all come back injury-free, as this is the most important stretch of the season,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe unlocks three Champions League achievements after Roma 3-4 Real Madrid thriller
Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance with a goal against AS Roma, reaching another major milestone in a competition he has dominated throughout his career.
As such, the Real Madrid forward scored his 72nd Champions League goal on Wednesday, moving past club legend Raul Gonzalez on the competition’s all-time scoring list and into fifth place.
Mbappe surpasses Messi and Raul
Mbappe reached 100 Champions League appearances against Roma and marked the occasion with a goal.
Kylian Mbappé is the youngest-ever player to reach 100 Champions League appearances (27y 298d). Lionel Messi’s record is broken (28y 84d). 💯 https://t.co/QxB7jmGlop
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 14, 2026
At 27 years and 298 days, he became the youngest player to reach that landmark, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record of 28 years and 84 days.
As such, Mbappe’s 72 Champions League goals have come across three clubs: six for Monaco, 42 for Paris Saint-Germain and 24 for Real Madrid.
Only Messi and Lewandowski outscored Mbappe
Mbappe’s record becomes even more impressive when measured against other top Champions League forwards during their first 100 appearances.
📊 Only Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi scored more goals in their first 100 Champions League matches than Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has netted an incredible 𝟕𝟐 goals in his first century of matches. 🔥 https://t.co/77Yg7DdD6L
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) October 15, 2026
Robert Lewandowski scored 81 goals in his first 100 matches, while Messi registered 77. Mbappe’s 72 goals place him behind those two players, but ahead of numerous other legendary attackers.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the Champions League benchmark
Despite moving into fifth place, Mbappe still has a substantial gap to close before reaching the top of the all-time scoring rankings.
Karim Benzema sits ahead of him with 90 goals, followed by Lewandowski on 109 and Messi on 129. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the standings with 140 Champions League goals.
𝐊𝐘𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐂𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒 😲👏 That is now 72 UCL goals for him, breaking into the top 5 😮💨 𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙨: 👇 140 ⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo 129 ⚽ Lionel Messi 107 ⚽ Robert Lewandowski 90 ⚽ Karim Benzema 72 ⚽ Kylian Mbappé 71 ⚽ Raúl Where will he finish on the all-time UCL top scorers list? 👀
— 433 (@433) October 14, 2026
Mbappe’s 72 strikes leave him 18 behind Benzema, meaning the next target in his pursuit of the all-time greats is within reach if he maintains his scoring rate.
Understandably, Ronaldo’s 141 goals remain the benchmark, leaving Mbappe 68 goals short of the record.
The gap is considerable, but the Frenchman has already demonstrated the scoring consistency needed to climb the rankings, and it won’t be a surprise if he breaks his idol’s record.
