Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has said that qualifying for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League now seems too easy for the team.
“Here we go among the 4 best teams in Europe!!! Once again!!! It seems easy,” wrote the forward on his social media after Real Madrid beat Manchester City 4-3 on penalties.
Less than 24 hours after playing 100+ minutes and eliminating Man City in a Champions League quarterfinal, Vinicius is already back in the gym
A nigh of salvation was on the cards as Real Madrid looked to avenge the defeat of the previous season against the champions of England. Although things looked bleak for the record European champions, they held their nerves.
Ultimately, after managing to hold City, the game was forced into penalties where Andriy Lunin denied Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva to send his side through to the last four.
Vinicius picked up a knock
During the added minutes, Vinicius succumbed to the toll of physical exertion after completing a gruelling 50-meter dash, clashing head-to-head with Kyle Walker.
The Brazilian collapsed onto the ground as his body signalled its limits. With a hand on his thigh, he signalled for a substitution, a move already in the works as Lucas Vazquez was poised to enter the field as soon as the ball went out.
It was in the 101st minute that Vinicius reached his breaking point. A promising long ball made him dash forward, engaging in a fierce battle with the English full-back as they approached the penalty area, only to find all avenues blocked.
That final burst of energy pushed Vinicius to his brink, resulting in a collapse from sheer exhaustion.
Walker and Ederson came over, saying they were worried about their colleague in the industry. They helped him up in a wonderful demonstration of sportsmanship, and he moved to the bench.
The Brazilian celebrity was receiving medical attention in the meantime, as his pointed movements suggested he was experiencing discomfort in his thigh. It is unclear if this was due to strain or exhaustion.
The result is still unknown with a crucial game against Barcelona coming up at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
