Carlo Ancelotti praised Vinícius Júnior‘s “extraordinary character” and “power” after the Ballon d’Or contender scored a second-half hat trick in Actual Madrid’s 5-2 Champions League comeback win over Borussia Dortmund.
Madrid trailed 0-2 at halftime at Santiago Bernabeu — after Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens scored for the guests — earlier than objectives from Antonio Rüdiger, Vinícius and Lucas Vázquez put the European champions in entrance.
Brazil worldwide Vinicius scored two extra objectives to finish his hat trick and depart Madrid in a optimistic temper forward of Saturday’s Clásico towards Barcelona.
“It is uncommon for a participant to have a second half like he did,” Ancelotti mentioned in his post-match information convention. “He performed with power and depth, with extraordinary character.”
Vinicius’ hat trick got here lower than per week earlier than the winner of the 2024 males’s Ballon d’Or might be confirmed at a ceremony in Paris.
“I feel [Vinicius] will win it, however not due to what he did tonight,” Ancelotti mentioned. “It will likely be due to what he did final season. The three objectives tonight will assist him win the following Ballon d’Or!”
“We all know that at dwelling, with our followers, something can occur,” Vinicius advised Movistar. “Once we acquired to the dressing room [at halftime] we had been very quiet, we simply listened to the boss.. And he mentioned one factor: if we rating the primary aim, we will come again. And we did it.”
“It is one thing you’re feeling generally on the pitch,” goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois — who made 5 saves within the sport — mentioned. “I do not wish to say that you simply really feel the opponent’s concern, however you’re feeling that after the primary aim, with the stadium, we’ll rating objectives.”
Ancelotti criticised his workforce’s angle within the first half, however mentioned that they had delivered “our greatest second half this season.”
“We began the primary half with out a lot depth,” he mentioned. “We had been too timid. We will play with extra power, taking dangers.”
Actual Madrid ahead Rodrygo exited the match within the eighty fifth minute with a muscle harm and he’s uncertain to face Barcelona subsequent Saturday.