Real Madrid star player Vinicius Junior has cautioned that any mistakes against Atletico Madrid in their Champions League last-16 tie could lead to early elimination from the competition.
Los Blancos will host their city rivals on Tuesday in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu before travelling to the Metropolitano for the return fixture next week.
Madrid suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, and Vinicius stressed that such a weak performance can not be repeated on the European stage.
Vinicius: Real Madrid Must Avoid Mistake
“I think in the last game we lacked a bit of everything… we made too many mistakes, we defended badly, and did everything poorly,” the winger said in a press conference on Monday.
“It’s better that it happened in the last game because tomorrow we cannot afford any mistakes. These are knockout matches—one mistake, and you’re going home. We don’t want to leave early. We’re here to improve and deliver a strong performance.”
Ancelotti Seeks Response After Betis Defeat
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti echoed Vinicius’ sentiments, hoping the setback against Betis was just an anomaly ahead of the crucial derby.
“We lacked attitude in the game against Betis; I hope it was an isolated incident,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I expect a balanced tie that will be decided in the second leg. It will be a tight, hard-fought contest.”
Praise for Simeone’s Tactical Strengths
Ancelotti also praised Atletico coach Diego Simeone, highlighting his tactical expertise.
“What I admire about him is how he reads the game, organizes his team, and instils defensive grit in his players,” the Italian said.
Madrid Without Bellingham for First Leg
Real Madrid will be without key playmaker Jude Bellingham, who is suspended for the first leg.
Vinicius, who has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, remains confident about stepping up when it matters most—just as he did last season when Madrid clinched both La Liga and the Champions League titles.
“With so many matches, it’s impossible to be at 100 percent all the time,” he admitted.
“But at Madrid, we perform best when the decisive moments arrive.”
Vinicius Dismisses Saudi Arabia Transfer Links
The 24-year-old also reaffirmed his commitment to the club amid speculation of a possible move to Saudi Arabia. His contract runs until 2027, and he hopes to extend it “as soon as possible.”
Simeone: ‘We Have a Big Opportunity’
Meanwhile, Simeone acknowledged Real Madrid’s superior history in the competition but backed his side to challenge the 15-time European champions.
“Real Madrid’s Champions League history is extraordinary, but tomorrow, we have a big opportunity to write our own story,” said the Atletico boss.
Real Madrid have knocked Atletico out of the competition multiple times, including in the 2014 and 2016 finals, as well as the 2017 semi-finals and 2015 quarter-finals. Atletico, who have finished runners-up three times, are still chasing their first Champions League triumph.
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