Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, despite a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg at Emirates Stadium.
Vinícius, who has Cameroonian roots, emphasized the team’s determination to overturn the deficit in the return leg at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Tuesday, April 16, 2025.
The first leg saw Arsenal dominate, with midfielder Declan Rice scoring two remarkable free-kicks, both earned through fouls on Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Merino added a third goal in the 75th minute, solidifying the Gunners’ advantage.
Arsenal’s disciplined ball movement and defensive organization limited Real Madrid’s offensive opportunities, leaving the Spanish side with a significant challenge in the upcoming match.
Vinícius acknowledged the team’s underperformance: “There are no excuses. We played a bad game in London.
“Now we have to improve so we can fight for promotion at the Bernabeu. Magical things have always happened at the Bernabeu, and they can happen again.
“We always fight until the last whistle.”
Real Madrid will need to leverage their home advantage and draw upon their storied history of dramatic comebacks in European competitions to overcome the three-goal deficit.
The second leg is scheduled for next week at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where Los Blancos will aim to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.
