Vinicius Junior is one goal away from becoming the most prolific Brazilian in Real Madrid history, as Los Blancos prepare to face arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 on Wednesday, 12 March.
Real Madrid are coming into the second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium on the back of a 2-1 first-leg victory against Atletico Madrid. They need Vinicius Junior and Co. to lead from the front to join Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan in the quarter-finals.
Vinicius Jr. Looking to Surpass Ronaldo Nazario Ahead of UCL Clash vs Atletico
Real Madrid have always had a soft corner for Brazilian players. In the 21st century, many top Brazilian players have lined up for the All-Whites, dazzling fans with their performances. Vinicius Jr. is the poster boy of the current crop of Selecao stars in the Spanish capital, and on Wednesday, he could become the most prolific Brazilian in the history of the great club.
😎 ¡Impredecible!
🎯 @vinijr #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/yLMoxPzSmE— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 27, 2023
Since joining from Flamengo in the summer of 2018, the No. 7 has played 302 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 103 goals and providing 71 assists. If he manages to hit the back of the net against Los Rojiblancos in the UCL Round of 16 2nd leg, he will become the club’s greatest Brazilian goalscorer with 104. The great Ronaldo Nazario currently holds that record, having scored 103 times in just 174 appearances.
Other Brazilians on the Top 5 List
With Ronaldo Nazario and Vinicius Junior tied at #1 with 103 goals, the third spot has gone to left-back extraordinaire Roberto Carlos. The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner scored 69 goals and provided 116 assists in 527 games for the club between 1996 and 2007.
In fourth place, sits Vinicius Jr.’s partner in crime, Rodrygo. The Brazil international, who joined the club a year after Vini Jr., has found the back of the net 68 times in 256 games. He has also claimed 45 assists.
Rounding off the list is Carlos’ successor Marcelo. The former left-back hit the back of the net 38 times in 546 matches. He also turned provider 103 times.
Vinicius Junior’s Record in the Champions League
Vinicius Jr. has produced some fine performances in the Champions League since moving to Real Madrid. Not only has he been clinical in front of goal, but he has also been unselfish in the box, regularly setting up his teammates.
The 24-year-old has played 65 matches for Los Blancos in UCL, scoring 28 times and claiming 22 assists. He has won the competition twice with the All-Whites, contributing to 10 goals in the 2021-22 season and 11 in 2023-24.
