Sports
Vinícius Vows Real Madrid Will Reclaim Champions League Glory This Season
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. has set his sights firmly on a 16th European Cup as the Champions League returns, declaring his belief that this season will be different from the club's last two disappointing campaigns in the competition.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's opening match, the Brazilian forward and the club's second captain admitted that the team's recent performances in Europe have not met expectations. "Hopefully, No. 16 will come. We're ready for it. It's our competition. We haven't done well in the last two years," he said.
Vinícius outlined the team's immediate objective of finishing in the top eight of the league phase to secure direct qualification for the Round of 16. But he went further, making a bold prediction about the ultimate outcome of the campaign: "This season is going to be different from the last two Champions League campaigns, and we're going to win it."
Real Madrid will open their European campaign against Inter Milan, a team Vinícius identified as a tough early test due to their physical style and defensive setup. "Inter is a very strong team physically. They defend with five at the back, and that's something that usually causes us problems, but the coach has prepared for it," he explained.
The forward noted that squad absences could complicate the opening fixture, but expressed confidence that the team's bond with supporters would help secure a positive result to start the tournament.
Vinícius' optimism is rooted in his own record in the competition. He has already claimed two Champions League titles with Real Madrid and delivered decisive performances in both finals, scoring against Liverpool and later against Borussia Dortmund. He described these as the two most significant goals of his career. "They are the two most important goals of my life. It's something that stays in history. Many players score goals, but few score in finals," he said.
Having achieved those milestones with Real Madrid, Vinícius says he is now focused on adding another chapter to the club's European legacy, with the goal of lifting the Champions League trophy once more and securing a 16th title for the club.