Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has shown huge respect to 22-year-old Chelsea defender Reece James after his colossal battle against him last night in the Champions League.
The duo, who are two of the world’s most elite young players, had an intriguing head-to-head clash yesterday at the Bernabeu.
Brazilian left-winger winger Vinicius had so many individual duels against Chelsea’s right-sided defender James, with both enjoying various amounts of success. If it was a points decision, you’d have to lean towards the Blues powerhouse, who largely managed to nullify the threat of a scintillating attacker.
Eventually, the Madrid star did manage to assist Karim Benzema’s winning goal in extra time to secure the Spanish club progress to the Champions League semis.
Same again next year?
You doubt it will be the last time that we get to watch Vinicius vs James on a football pitch.
It was the standout clash at the Bernabeu last night between two talents you expect to play at the elite level for the next decade.
Vinicius, who absolutely tormented Chelsea in the first leg, showed flashes yesterday of how good he’s been this season. A huge credit must go to James for his bravery to back himself one-on-one with him, though.
An early booking to James was a major concern, but the Blues star didn’t let it impact his game in the slightest.
Real managed to avenge last season’s Champions League semi-final defeat, so perhaps the pair will meet for a third consecutive season next year.
