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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Vinicius Jr overtakes football legend after 'best in the world' moment against Man City

Vinicius Junior opened the scoring in stunning fashion for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final, and in doing so he overtook a football legend's European record for the club.

The Brazilian cracked an unstoppable shot into the net from the edge of the box in the 36th minute of the first leg, following a superb run from Eduardo Camavinga after the Frenchman had escaped the attentions of Bernardo Silva.

The 22-year-old scored the winner for Real in last season's final against Liverpool, and this Vinicius' 15th Champions League goal for the club as he overtook his fellow countryman Ronaldo's tally.

The strike stunned the former Real winger Steve McManaman in the BT Sport commentary box, with many on social media claiming that it was a goal that showed just why Vinicius can be regarded as the best player in the world at the moment.

The double Champions League winner said: "Where did that come from? I didn’t know a man that size could hit the ball that hard.

"Brilliant play by Camavinga and Luka Modric, getting on the wrong side of Bernardo Silva, and he’s off, the Frenchman.

Vinicius Junior's stunning strike had given Real Madrid the lead (AFP via Getty Images)

"His first touch was brilliant, Vinicius Junior, letting it run across the body of Gundogan, who can’t bring him down. Then he almost uses Ruben Dias as a screen, but the power he generates, absolutely flashes past Ederson - no chance at all. Bang. Out of nowhere, Los Blancos are one nil up!"

Pundit Rio Ferdinand also praised the goal, and how it came largely against the run of play.

"I've marvelled at the composure, the bravery, how Real just sit and wait.' Ferdinand said.

"City have come here, they've absolutely battered them possession wise, but that counts for nothing, they sit in and wait, they're composed, they concentrate and then when it comes for them to pounce, the clinical element of this team speaks for itself.

"Luka Modric wins the ball, beats the press. Vinicius, I was going bananas, this was crazy."

Liverpool 2019 Champions League winner Daniel Sturridge was also full of praise for Vinicius.

Kevin De Bruyne levelled matters for City (Getty Images)

He tweeted: "Genuinely hope he keeps improving. He gets you out your seat when he’s on the ball but when Madrid press he’s the catalyst. Top top player."

Despite the first half blow, City rallied and fought back in the second half.

They equalised in the 67th minute with a stunning strike from Kevin De Bruyne, as the Belgian rifled in an Ilkay Gundogn pass.

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