Champions League: Vinicius Jr Matches Lionel Messi Record After Helping Real Madrid Edge Dortmund

Champions League: Vinicius Jr Matches Lionel Messi Record After Helping Real Madrid Edge Dortmund

Fred Kennedy
updated at June 2, 2024 at 7:38 AM
In this article:
Vinicius Silvestre logo
Vinicius
Portimonense logoGBrazil logo
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
Real Madrid logo
Real Madrid
Spain
37
Borussia Dortmund logo
Borussia Dortmund
Germany
29
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA Champions League
  • Vinicius Jr played a vital part in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night, June 1
  • The La Liga giants edged Edin Terzic's charges 2-0 at the Wembley Stadium to lift the European trophy for the 15th time
  • Vini Jr and Dani Carvajal were both on target in the second half of the match, with the former's strike helping him match a record held by Lionel Messi

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Vinicius Jr is slowly making a name for himself in the world of football.

The Brazilian ace was among the standout players during Real Madrid's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

The 23-year-old was part of the team that edged the Bundesliga giants to secure their record-extending 15th European Cup.

Vinicius Jr was on target as Real Madrid edged Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat.
Vinicius Jr was on target as Real Madrid edged Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat.
Source: Getty Images

While the first half of the match ended goalless, SPORTbible reports that the scoreline does not quite tell the story.

This is because Dortmund were surprisingly the better side in the half, with both Niclas Fullkrug and Karim Adeyemi going close.

However, in the second half, Real Madrid put the game to bed, with Dani Carvajal heading home the opener in the 74th minute.

Vini Jr. doubled the advantage in the 83rd minute as Real stormed to a comfortable win and lifted the European title.

Vinicius Jr matches Lionel Messi record

It has now emerged that Vini's impressive display in the tie helped him match an incredible record previously held by Lionel Messi.

According to stats outlet, OptaJoe, the winger has now been directly involved in 22 goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League before turning 24.

Messi is the only player to have achieved the feat previously, with Vini's numbers helping him join an exclusive club.

Meanwhile, the numbers will help him lay claim on the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

The Brazil international is among the frontrunners for the prize alongside Jude Bellingham.

Vini escapes red card

In related news, Sports Brief also reported on Jose Mourinho suggesting that Vinicius Jr was lucky to escape a red card against Borussia Dortmund.

The Brazilian ace was on a yellow card after he collided with Dortmund's goalkeeper when he appeared to dive in the closing stages of the first half of the match.

Authors
Fred Kennedy photo
Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team