Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr has credited his team-mates for a good start against Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The most successful team in the history of European football are looking for a 15th title in this competition when they face opponents who want to add to the first victory in 1996/97.
“It’s a unique game and we have to start strong,” said the Brazilian, who has given Madrid five goals and five assists in reaching the final, speaking to the Madrid TV channel.
“It’s a very important week and we hope we can win again. I hope I can score, but the important thing is to win. We have only lost two games and hopefully we can finish the season like that. It’s a very important week and hopefully we can win again.”
🎙️ @MrAncelotti 🎙️#UCL | #APorLa15 pic.twitter.com/y57k904q0Y
– Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 27, 2024
Madrid’s only defeat since September in all competitions came against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey in January, helped by 23 goals in 38 games from Vinicius Jr.
Dortmund have had a very mixed season, losing seven times as part of a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga and losing twice in the Champions League.
Madrid v Dortmund: Vinicius Jr looks forward
Edin Terzic’s side won both legs of their semi-final against Paris St-Germain 1-0 and face another tough task of containing an attack that includes the likes of Vinicius Jr, fellow Selecao striker Rodrygo and top scorer Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius Jr said that he expects to be marked strongly but will depend on the strategic guidance of Madrid coach who has won the Champions League four times, Carlo Ancelotti.
“The German players are always difficult and they will be very close to me,” he predicted. “But we will see what the coach is preparing so that we can do our best”.
“I have never been afraid of losing football and that is what made me come here. Not every player can wear this jersey or practice with these legends. The unity of this group is what makes us happy.”
