Guardiola heaps praise on Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior ahead of Champions League clash

Vinicius Junior in action against Osasuna

Guardiola heaps praise on Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior ahead of Champions League clash

Stephen Oladehinde 20:24 - 08.05.2023

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed the Madrid winger Vinicius Junior for his tremendous performance this season.

The Real Madrid youngster has been in excellent form this season having scored 16 goals and created 14 assists in all competitions.

Guardiola’s side will face Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final and the City manager has applauded the performance of the Brazilian as he has been key to Madrid’s progress this season.

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Vinicius is decisive but the team has much more says Guardiola

The Man City boss was full of praise for Ancelotti’s men as they prepare to face them in the Champions League first leg.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash, Guardiola said, “To win this competition you have to beat the best teams and [Real Madrid] have been the best in the last seven, eight years. You have to perform.“

Guardiola also made a brief comment about Vinicius Jr. and his propensity for using his magical feet to change the course of a game.

“Vinicius Jr sinks you every time Madrid can get the ball to him. He is decisive, but the team has much more.”

Vinicius Junior hailed by Pep Guardiola
Vinicius Junior hailed by Pep Guardiola

Carlo Ancelotti’s poor record against Guardiola

One of the few managers with whom Carlo Ancelotti has a poor track record is Pep Guardiola. Eight times over the years, the two coaches have faced off, but the Manchester City manager has edged out with five victories.

But Real Madrid and Manchester City have a contrasting head-to-head record. Out of their ten meetings since 2012, the two European powerhouses have split the wins four wins each.

On Tuesday night at Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola's team will play the reigning European Champions in a rematch of the semifinal from the previous year. The odds seem far more equal than they have ever been this time.