Vinicius Jr made history for Real Madrid during their 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, according to The Chelsea Chronicles.
While Federico Valverde grabbed headlines with a first-half hat-trick, Vinicius Jr played a key role in the win, assisting the second goal and equaling a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo.
With his assist in the match, Vinicius Jr now has 31 assists in the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid, matching the total achieved by Ronaldo during his nine-year stint at the club. Ronaldo remains the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, but Vinicius Jr’s milestone highlights his creative influence in Europe’s premier competition.
Vinicius Jr joined Real Madrid in 2018 from Flamengo and has become one of the club’s most influential players over eight seasons. To date, he has made 362 appearances, scoring 119 goals and providing 94 assists. His consistency and impact in the Champions League demonstrate his development into a complete forward capable of both scoring and creating opportunities.
The match against Manchester City also showcased Valverde’s exceptional form. The Uruguayan midfielder scored a first-half hat-trick, giving Los Blancos a commanding lead heading into the second leg. Vinicius Jr’s assist for the second goal emphasized his vision and decision-making in high-pressure European matches.
Former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s career at the club, describing him as “extraterrestrial” and highlighting his work ethic and leadership. Marcelo recalled their on-field understanding, noting that they shared the pitch 332 times and contributed jointly to 33 goals, reflecting Ronaldo’s ability to elevate those around him.