Real Madrid’s Champions League journey ended last Wednesday with a loss to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
The team lost 2-1 at home and then faced another defeat, 4-3 away, in the second leg, sealing their exit.
Vinicius Jr. may not have been dominant, but he played a crucial role, providing an assist to Kylian Mbappe that marked an important milestone for him in Europe’s top tournament.
Vinicius Jr surpasses Lionel Messi assist mark in Champions League knockout phase
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
The Brazilian player has now achieved 13 assists in 41 Champions League knockout matches, surpassing Lionel Messi’s 12 assists in 77 matches.
This achievement highlights Vinicius Jr.’s effectiveness in crucial games, making him a significant creative player in tense situations.
He is now closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 15 assists in 85 knockout games, indicating his rapid development and increasing impact in top European competitions.
Goal numbers show a contrasting comparison
However, Messi’s record of 49 goals in 77 Champions League knockout matches stands out, averaging 0.63 goals per game.
In comparison, Vinicius Jr. has scored 16 goals in 41 matches, averaging around 0.39 per game.
This difference reflects distinct profiles between the two players in scoring.
At 25 years old, Vinicius Jr. has the opportunity to enhance his statistics and change the narrative around his scoring ability.