Vinicius Junior: Real Madrid can win the Champions League despite Inter challenge

Vinicius Junior says Real Madrid are ready to win the UEFA Champions League this season, despite admitting the club have failed to produce the level expected of them over the past two campaigns.

The Brazil international, who is Real Madrid’s vice-captain, believes the squad has the quality and determination required to lift a record-extending 16th European Cup.

“I hope the 16th title comes. We are ready for it. It is our competition,” said Vinicius Junior in comments published by Real Madrid.

“We have not performed well for two years. Our first objective is to be among the best eight teams. We are always motivated for the Champions League. This season will be different from the last two Champions League campaigns, and we will win it.”

Real Madrid begin their Champions League league-phase campaign against Inter, with Vinicius Junior warning that the Italian side’s defensive organisation could create significant problems.

The forward said European matches carried a different atmosphere and intensity, while acknowledging that Inter’s system would make the contest particularly demanding for Real Madrid.

“Whenever the Champions League comes around, things are always different,” he said. “We are ready for this match against a great team that will force us to give a lot.

“Inter are a very strong team physically and defend with five defenders. That is something that usually causes us difficulties, but the coach has prepared everything.

“We have some absences, which makes things more difficult for us, but we will all come out strongly. We hope we can show this wonderful connection with the fans during these matches.”

Real Madrid’s preparations have therefore centred on finding a way through Inter’s five-man defence, while also dealing with a number of unavailable players. Vinicius Junior nonetheless insisted that the squad would respond collectively when the competition began.

The 25-year-old also reflected on the two goals he has scored in Champions League finals. He found the net as Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the 2022 final and again when they beat Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 final.

Vinicius Junior described both strikes as the most important goals of his career, citing their place in the club’s history and the rarity of scoring in a European final.

“They are the two most important goals of my life. It is something that remains in history,” he said.

“Many players score goals, but few of them score in finals. To do that with the biggest club in the world is something the fans will never forget, and neither will I.”

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