Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona: Hits and Flops as Los Blancos record statement El Clasico victory | La Liga 2019-20

#2 Vinicius Junior – Hit

Vinicius opened the scoring for Real Madrid

The past couple of years have seen the Brazilian catapult himself from a prodigious talent to a regular starter at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, for much of that upward trajectory, Vinicius has had to battle accusations concerning his wastefulness in the final third.

On Sunday though, the teenager blended substance with his irresistible style to ensure that the Los Blancos emerged from the rubble unscathed.

Throughout the encounter, Vinicius looked a bundle of energy on the left flank and caused Nelson Semedo all sorts of problems. The Brazilian was extremely direct and kept posing questions with his mazy dribbling.

On numerous occasions, the winger got goal-side of his marker and got into good crossing positions, although that wasn’t particularly supported by the requisite runs by his strikers.

In the 71st minute, the Brazilian took matters into his own hands when he hoodwinked Braithwaite with an expertly timed run and got in behind Barcelona’s defensive line. He then showcased the requisite clinical edge to steady himself and nestle the ball into the back of the net.

Furthermore, he always offered the home side a passing outlet high and wide on the wings, thereby allowing them to transition quickly and relieve pressure. The Los Blancos have endured plenty of injuries in 2019-20 and their cause hasn’t been helped by the inconsistent form portrayed by a certain Gareth Bale.

Yet, in perhaps their biggest game of the season, a young Brazilian ensured that the hosts didn’t lack quality in the final third. And, most encouragingly for Real Madrid, he supplemented it with an adequate end product.