With this crushing result over RB Salzburg, 5-1 on home ground Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid took an unbeaten route in the competition while having both Vini Jr. celebrate historic performance stats and a shine again, Rodrygo helped take more momentum in another commanding performance into what continues to shape their overall contention into playoff position by maintaining their unbeatable round chances they got today home. However, the coach was clear: top eight won't come easy. Let's go through the highlights and key stats from this journey.
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Vini Jr.'s century milestone at Real Madrid
Vini Jr. reached his 100th goal for Real Madrid in spectacular fashion. Not content with just one milestone, the forward netted his 101st in the same game. He put his signature on it with a signature individual play that found the back of the net at the 55-minute mark. Twenty minutes later, he added to the growing tally with another touch inside the box and wrote another chapter in an already storied career. "I’m really happy to score 100 goals wearing this jersey. Now I’m only three behind Ronaldo, the Brazilian with the most goals for the club," said the forward after the match.
Vini Jr.’s journey at Real Madrid has been marked by decisive moments, goals in finals, and meteoric growth. He’s been crucial in securing 14 titles, making significant contributions in 13 finals. His 101 goals are divided between the Champions League, with 28, and La Liga, with 58, demonstrating his consistency and the impact he can have up front. His best season so far was last season, when he scored 24 times, but he has already reached 17 this season. At this rate, more records will surely tumble.
Rodrygo shows efficiency and growth
While Vini Jr. made history, Rodrygo was one of the pillars behind the commanding victory. Having scored two goals in the first half, he reached eight in his last 10 games, proving he's in the best form of his season. In addition, the No. 11 has been a standout playmaker, adding three assists during the same stretch.
Rodrygo's influence is not about the numbers. Growth for the Brazilian forward means maturity for quick decisions and hooking up with teammates in attack. As Ancelotti highlighted, "He's scoring in every game and has helped us a lot. The quality we have in attack is impressive."
Ancelotti's attack stellar
With players like Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Bellingham, Real Madrid has an attack that fuses creativity, speed, and precision. No wonder the Italian coach oozed confidence in the team's offensive abilities: "The forwards are connecting really well. With this squad, we won't have any problems scoring goals."
However, Ancelotti didn't stop at praise. He also pointed out the weaknesses, especially in defense. For him, collective effort and compactness are crucial to success, even though the attack remains the team's strong suit.
The defensive challenge
The 5-1 win over RB Salzburg might obscure some defensive weaknesses, but Ancelotti remains focused. "Defensively, everyone has their role, and we’re improving a lot. It’s essential to always stay well-positioned, work together, and have the same understanding." According to the coach, balancing attack and defense will be key to cementing Real Madrid as a title contender.
Real Madrid has shown it can dominate offensively, but Ancelotti knows high-stakes competitions demand defensive consistency. Their ability to neutralize opposing attacks will be put to the test in the playoffs, especially against elite squads.
Look at Manchester City
Anselotti did not hide the curious opinion of elimination that would eventually turn out to be good news for Manchester City: "They are one of the favourites to win again the Champions League, and it will be good news that they don't make it". A statement showing respect for Guardiola's team while underlining fierce competition among European powers.
With City needing victory in the last round to advance, the pressure is firmly on the English side. For Real Madrid, it has always been an important strategic extra when the great rivals have got into difficulties.