Big-game Vinícius Jr. extends advantage over Kylian Mbappé to secure Real Madrid draw vs Bayern | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. continued to prove himself the man for the big occasion, on his way to ensuring that Los Blancos will head back to Spain’s capital for their return leg showdown with Bayern Munich on level terms.

Real and Bayern, of course, locked horns for the latest occasion a short time ago.

In the first leg of the high-profile Champions League semi-final tie between the continental heavyweights, the latter acted as hosts, at the Allianz Arena.

It was Real who drew first blood in proceedings, the aforementioned Vinícius slipped through one-on-one to guide a first-time finish beyond Manuel Neuer.

The scoreline, though, was turned on its head in the space of five 2nd-half minutes, as Leroy Sané’s leveller was added to by Harry Kane from the penalty spot.

When his side needed him most, though, that man Vinícius soon came to the fore once more.

Dancing his way into the hosts’ penalty area, the Brazilian guided a clever pass through to compatriot Rodrygo, whose attempt to turn was halted by Kim Min-jae, giving rise to a spot-kick.

Vinícius then took responsibility from 12 yards, again slotting past the daunting figure of Manuel Neuer in confident fashion.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Blancos, as a result, will head into next week’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu boasting favourite status.

Wide-man Vinícius’ brilliance at the Allianz Arena, though, did not only prove significant from a collective standpoint.

In addition, it saw the 23-year-old open further his advantage atop a star-studded list, reiterating Viní’s penchant for stepping up to the plate when it matters most.

As per statisticians Opta, the South American has now been directly involved in three goals more than any other player in the Champions League since the 2021/22 campaign.

(Below stat was unveiled before his 2nd of the night on Tuesday)

Conor Laird | GSFN