In a remarkable display of talent, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lauded Vinicius Jr as ‘extraordinary’ following the Brazilian forward’s impressive second-half hat-trick. This performance was pivotal in the team’s comeback from a two-goal deficit, ultimately leading to a commanding 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
In a recent press conference, Ancelotti expressed his strong belief that 24-year-old Vinicius is poised to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player this coming Monday.
It is uncommon to witness a player deliver a performance in the second half akin to that of Vinicius. “It’s not just about the three goals; it’s his character that stands out. He’s truly extraordinary,” Ancelotti remarked.
“Vinicius is poised to secure the Ballon d’Or, not solely based on his performance tonight, but rather due to his achievements over the past year.” There is no doubt that these three goals will have an impact on next year’s Ballon d’Or race. He is a player who faces criticism due to his potential to impact the game significantly.
In a rematch of last season’s final, Ancelotti emphasized that there was no sense of panic in the changing room after Real Madrid found themselves two goals down at halftime. He highlighted his team’s maturity and experience, noting their understanding of the necessary adjustments to mount a comeback.
We experienced the break with a sense of calmness. “We altered our approach and returned to the field with greater intensity,” Ancelotti stated.
“Discussing the prospect of scoring three goals may have appeared unrealistic, so we focused on finer points such as effective passing and winning individual duels…” Securing the momentum of the game was crucial, as it set the foundation for achieving victory.
“In the first half, our performance lacked intensity and confidence on the ball. However, we improved in the second half, showcasing greater quality and applying more pressure.” The second half of the season proved to be exceptional.
“It is essential to reflect on our performance in the second half.” The objective is to initiate the game proactively rather than allowing the opposition to score twice against us first. The prospect of maintaining the second half’s intensity for a full 90 minutes seems unlikely, yet there is potential for a more balanced approach.
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