The Supercopa de España final did not take shape to many expectations as Real Madrid blew apart their El Clásico rivals Barcelona thanks to a sublime Vinicius Junior display. Vinicius Junior was at his dazzling Samba best today as the Brazilian, who recently just returned from tearing a hamstring in November, netted a first-half hat trick against the woeful Barcelona defence and contributed to Real’s fourth while also playing a part in Ronald Araújo’s second-half dismissal. Moreover, Vinicius Junior also paid tribute to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, with his first of three goals at Al-Awwal Park by hitting the iconic SIU celebration in front of thousands of onlookers.
Vinicius Junior Hit the SIU Celebration After His Sublime First-Half Hat Trick
As mentioned above, Vinicius Junior hit the SIU celebration after scoring his first goal in the 7th minute while wearing the number 7 shirt while playing at his idol’s home stadium. Disregarding the coincidence of timing, Vinicius Junior played like a player on a mission to prove his worth after a shaky start to the season. For context, this was probably the first season since he was the starter that he felt overshadowed by other players at Real and his massive stint at the sideline.
However, fortunately for the Brazilian, he and Real’s latest star, Jude Bellingham, showed splendid synergy as Vinicius Junior timed his run perfectly and latched on the Englishman through ball before rounding the keeper. The Brazilian dynamite netted his second just three minutes later as Rodrygo bypassed Barca’s horrendous high line and squared it for his national and club teammate for his second of the night. While Robert Lewandoski managed to drag one back with some individual prowess with a delightful volley from the edge of the box, the game looked done when Araújo made contact with Vinicius Junior, which led to a penalty.
Surprisingly, Real Madrid has struggled to convert penalties since the departure of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, as Rodrygo, Joselu and Luka Modric have all missed from the spot this season. However, there was no denying Vinicius Junior as he planted his kick past the outstretched arm of the Barcelona keeper, marking the third-fastest ever scored by a Real Madrid player in El Clásico. Moreover, he became the fourth player to score a clásico hat-trick this century, joining the list of Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, something even his idol did not achieve.
Vini Jr. hitting the SIU at Cristiano Ronaldo’s home ground.
What a moment. pic.twitter.com/5FPnLsd2qy
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 14, 2024
Vinicius Junior Addressed the Confrontation with Sergi Roberto and the SIU Celebration
After tormenting Barca for the whole of the first half, Vinicius Junior caused further mayhem in the second half as his intended cross to Bellingham ricocheted into the path of Rodrygo who smashed his efforts past Iñaki Peña Sotorres for Real’s fourth. With the contest all but done, Ronald Araújo compounded Barca’s misery as his late tackle on the Brazilian earned him his second yellow card and marching orders. Not happy with the decision and the Brazilian’s theatrical way of going down, the Barca bench and players, especially Sergi Roberto, remonstrate with Vinicius Junior before Carlo Ancelotti substituted him.
In his post-match interview, Vinicius Junior talked about the confrontation. “I’m very sad because everyone wants to fight with me because they know it will come out in the media. I try to focus on the game to do the best for my teammates, but I am not a saint. Sometimes, I talk too much and do dribbles I shouldn’t do, but I am here to improve. I want to improve. My teammates and the coach are showing me what I have to do.”
As for him imitating the iconic SIU celebration, the Brazilian stated: “The celebration was for Cristiano because he’s my idol, and now he is playing here. The people in Saudi Arabia have a special love for me. I am very happy for what we did today. To beat Barcelona 4-1 is very hard, and today we had an almost perfect game.”
Real Madrid Are Heavy Favourites for the Domestic Treble
With this win in the Supercopa de España final and how they exact revenge from last year’s defeat against a similar opposition, Real Madrid is on course for a domestic treble, a feat they somehow have not ever achieved before.
While this statement could very well fail to come to fruition on Friday when Real head to Atlético de Madrid for their Copa del Rey round of 16 tie, it does not take away the fact that Real are now favourites for the remaining two domestic titles. In addition, Girona’s draw against Almeria means Real could open a two-point gap at the top when they host the same opponents Girona failed to beat on the 21st.
To follow Real’s journey for a potential domestic treble or even an unprecedented quadruple, follow AsiaSport for daily updates and high-definition highlights of the Meringues or any other teams you support.
In my opinion, there is no excuse for us. Real Madrid have to go on and win the domestic treble this season. It’s not even close, We’re by far the best team in Spain.
Anything less should be deemed as a failure.
— RMZZ (@_RMBlancoZz) January 14, 2024
