In a rematch of the 2023-24 Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund thought they had the match wrapped up in the first half of play but Real Madrid stormed back from down 2-0 to win 5-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in an iconic performance from Vinicius Junior. Goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens put Nuri Sahin’s men up at halftime while Madrid struggled to string attacks together, but all they needed were some adjustments to get back into the match. Vinicius Junior netted a hat trick in the second half of play while Madrid scored not one, not two, not three or four, but five unanswered goals in the second half.
Los Blancos were able to put Dortmund’s best-laid plans to waste because that’s what you do when you’re the best team in the world. The domination of Real Madrid for 60 minutes doesn’t matter. If you’re going to come at the reigning Champions League winners, you’ve got to make sure they stay down.
In the second half of play, Real Madrid took 17 shots, putting nine on target, and scoring five goals. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund were limited to only two shots and an xG of 0.10 in the second half. When things turn into a mental battle, no team has more self-belief that they’ll find a way than Real Madrid. While Kylian Mbappe is finding his feet, it’s still Vinicius Junior who has the second gear to make Carlo Ancelotti’s men unstoppable.
Questions need to be asked about Borussia Dortmund’s collapse and Emre Can’s performance off the bench because this is also a team used to big moments. Less than a year removed from facing Real in the UCL final, they didn’t look like a team that belonged on the same pitch as Los Blancos in the second half.
Some of the reason for that is Vini Jr’s ascent to becoming one of the best players in the world, if not the best. But the entire Madrid team imposed their will in a final 30 minutes to remember. Eduardo Camavinga’s introduction into the match helped balance the midfield, and even Lucas Vazquez, who secured the go-ahead goal, is filling in for an injured Dani Carvajal.
“Definitely [Vini Jr. should win the Ballon d’Or], but not just for tonight, but all season he was outstanding and we’re looking forward to seeing who will win,” Luka Modric said to CBS Sports. “But I think overall when you see how he played last season and what he is doing this season, especially after tonight, I think he deserves it.”
This is why Real Madrid are expected to win everything in their path. The level of individual brilliance is unmatched. They have the likely Ballon d’Or winner in Vini Jr, with the award set to be given out next week, but they still haven’t hit top gear with Mbappe and even with Jude Bellingham attacking less than last season, anyone on this team can break out and make you pay.
“I want to stay here forever. I love Real Madrid,” Vini Jr said following the match. “We want to win the Champions League again.”
That mentality is what continues to drive Madrid further. How many past accolades they’ve had doesn’t matter, it’s all about moving on to the next one. It’s especially important with an El Clasico on Saturday vs. Barcelona. Win that and Real Madrid will also go level atop La Liga with their most hated rivals. Yet again Vini Jr will be called on but as he’s shown time and time again, he’ll be ready for any challenge in his path. As will Real Madrid.
