Ex-Real Madrid director Pedja explains how Kylian Mbappe’s arrival has affected Vinicius Jr after Arsenal humiliation

Modified Apr 09, 2025 10:32 GMT

(L-R): Kylian Mbappe, Pedja, and Vinicius Junrior

Ex-Real Madrid director Pedja has explained how Kylian Mbappe's arrival has affected Vinicius Junrior's performances after Los Blancos lost to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. The first leg of this quarter-final tie saw the visiting side suffer a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 8.

Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks (58' and 70'), after which Mikel Merino found the net (75') to put the seal on a complete performance by the north Londoners. While the Gunners' attackers were threatening, not much came from Carlo Ancelotti's front three.

Some would say that the least effective of the three was left-winger Vincius Junior. With Real Madrid managing just three shots on target, Pedja believes that the Brazilian's performance could have to do with his French strike partner.

He told Cadena SER (via Madrid Universal):

“Since Mbappe arrived, Vinicius has shown a bit of fear – uncertainty about what to do now, especially in trying to convince the Madridistas who is better. They have not delivered as we expected.”

These comments may seem interesting, particularly because Vinicius still finds himself in the numbers as far as goal contributions are concerned. So far this season, he's made 43 appearances across competitions, bagging 19 goals and 14 assists.

Jurrien Timber, who was deployed at right-back for Arsenal, seems to have had the winger tied down as well. Vinicius attempted three dribbles but failed to complete any.

The Brazilian attacker will be looking to turn things around in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16.

Thierry Henry reveals what he told Kylian Mbappe before Arsenal v Real Madrid

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was at the Emirates Stadium for the clash against Real Madrid as part of his presenting duties for CBS Sports. He was caught sharing a moment with his fellow countryman Kylian Mbappe before kick-off.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker was seen jogging over to Henry and hugging him. Telling viewers about what he told Mbappe then, the ex-Gunner man said (via Football London):

"Tonight he is playing against the team I love the most in the world. But I don't wish anything bad on him but tonight I said to him 'please, I don't want to see you.'"

Henry's wishes seemingly came true, with Mbappe failing to impact proceedings. He took just two shots, one of which required saving from David Raya in front of the Arsenal goal.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Ankush Das