Vinicius Jr. was the hero on the night for Real Madrid against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium as he netted a brace and led the team to a 2-0 win in a crucial game.
Any slip-up on the night would have seen the title race mathematically close and Barcelona crowned champions. The win for Real Madrid, however, keeps the team alive to fight another day.
For the first time in ten games, Real Madrid also managed to keep a clean sheet, making it a comprehensive and all-round performance.
Vinicius’ reaction
The man-of-the-match spoke to the media after the game and opened up on the team’s performance, his brace and El Clasico among other topics.
He began by explaining what he made of the team’s performance and win over Espanyol.
“It was a good game. We fought and played together. When we play like this we are better and stronger.
“I have had the opportunity to score two goals and be able to help the team, which is always the most important thing.
Vinicius was Real Madrid’s MVP. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
“We have worked very well all week and we were sure that we were going to have a great game and we did.
“Now it’s time to think about the next game, which is El Clasico, and a great game is coming,” he added.
Urging his teammates to keep up the same quality and level that they showed last night for all the games yet to come, the Brazilian star said,
“We have to continue like this because we are a very good group. We know that the season has not been as we wanted, but we have the opportunity to try to change things in every game for the next season.”
“I’m sure we’ll get back to the top, which is what this club needs. We can’t drop anything,” he added.
Giving his two cents on the upcoming Clasico and what the dressing room expects from the match-up against Barcelona, Vinicius said,
“We have to have a good week again to be able to compete and play as we have done today.”
“It’s a game that we love to play, and I hope we can prepare it well and get here again and win,” he added.
Finally, he spoke on his achievement of having scored 20 or more goals every season for the past five seasons.
“I have worked hard every year to be able to reach this figure, titles and matches like today’s.”
Tchouameni’s thoughts
Aurelien Tchouameni was back in the starting XI. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Aurelien Tchouameni was the other Real Madrid player who faced the press and he spoke about how the team finally maintained a clean sheet.
“We have given everything during the game and we have done things very well, leaving a clean sheet as well. I am very happy with the three points.
“Until the end of the season, we have to win all the games and we will try to do it.”
Speaking on his personal performance and objectives for the final stretch of the campaign, the French midfielder said,
“In every game, I try to give my best and help my teammates.
“I think that in our team all the players have to grow a little as leaders, and we will try to do it to win titles and be better as a group, both on and off the field.”
Praising Vinicius Jr. for his extraordinary performance last night, which saw him take up leadership in attack, Tchouameni said,
“When Vini plays at this level, it is easier for us to win. We are very happy with his game today.”
Finally, he looked forward to the upcoming El Clasico and how the team would do everything to win on the night.
“We play another game against Barcelona away from home, and we are going to go there to win. We are going to work this week to give everything to the Madridistas.”
Source: Real Madrid website
