Following Vinicius Junior’s performance in place of Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti praised him as an “extraordinary player.”
During the trip to Osasuna on Saturday, Madrid’s LaLiga leading scorer Karim Benzema was rested in preparation for Tuesday’s Champions League match at Liverpool.
Vinicius assisted Federico Valverde as Madrid defeated El Sadar 2-0 to decrease Barcelona’s lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. Vinicius twice had goals disallowed for offside at El Sadar.
To the satisfaction of coach Ancelotti, the Brazil winger gave Los Blancos a team-high three chances.
“It is clear that Vinicius is a player who makes a difference,” the Italian said at his post-match press conference.
“He played an outstanding game. He is an extraordinary footballer.”
🤍 @vinijr
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Ancelotti was less impressed with the manner of Madrid’s victory, though, after waiting until the 78th minute for Valverde’s opener before Marco Asensio sealed the points 14 minutes later.
“What I liked least is that we have done in the second half what we could have done in the first,” he added.
“What I liked most is that the team has not lost its mind and has been patient [in the final stages].
“The team has played well. They have had to suffer when they had to suffer and we are very satisfied with that.”
Toni Kroos also missed the visit to Osasuna, as well as Aurelien Tcouhameni, but Ancelotti assured Madrid will be prepared for the first leg at Anfield in Europe.
“We had a last-minute problem with Tchoaumeni, but we’re fine,” he continued.
“We will go into Tuesday’s game with good dynamics. The players are recovering and we will arrive with all the confidence in the world.”
Source: Livescore