Vinicius ends goal drought with Brazil as Ancelotti gives him a confidence boost ahead of Real Madrid return

Vinicius Junior returned to scoring with Brazil in the comeback victory over Australia, ending a drought that had lasted since August. The winger, under scrutiny in recent weeks because of his form at Real Madrid and the competition for his position, also received public backing from Carlo Ancelotti, who handed him the penalty to rebuild his confidence.

• Vinicius had not scored since August and converted a penalty against Australia to get back on the scoresheet.
• Ancelotti defended the Brazilian, saying he remains fundamental for Brazil and deserves patience.
• Bruno Guimaraes revealed he gave up the penalty because his teammate needed the morale boost.
• Vinicius now has to transfer that confidence to Real Madrid and win back the Bernabeu crowd.

The goal that unlocks Vinicius and Ancelotti's Brazil

The match against Australia offered a chance to reset, and Vinicius took it from the penalty spot. His goal helped settle a difficult game and eased the pressure on a national team still recovering from a World Cup that fell well short of expectations. Brazil needed to regain credibility during a demanding tour, and the forward's finishing gave them exactly that.

Ancelotti's penalty decision: confidence over everything else

There was clear intent behind the penalty. At the World Cup, with the score level, the spot-kick had gone to Bruno Guimaraes, who missed as Brazil were eliminated. This time, the coach wanted Vinicius to take it with one clear goal: to give the striker the emotional lift he had been chasing for weeks. It was a public show of trust, even with the memory of that earlier miss still fresh.

I know Vinicius very well. He is a fundamental player for Brazil, he has been in my football history and he will continue to be in the future of the national team.

Ancelotti admitted the player is not at his best, but stressed that even so he can make the difference. For the Italian coach, patience with Vinicius is fully justified.

Guimaraes stepping aside: a dressing-room gesture that strengthens the group

Vinicius later explained that Bruno usually takes penalties when Raphinha is not on the pitch and had originally planned to do so again. But the midfielder understood his teammate had gone too many games without scoring and needed the lift. Guimaraes confirmed the decision without any hint of resentment: there is no vanity in the squad, and the good of the national team comes first.

From Brazil's backing to the Bernabeu test

The goal and the coach's support are a first step, but Vinicius's real challenge lies at the Bernabeu. Strong performances from Diomande in his position and inconsistent displays have raised questions about a status that once seemed untouchable. On top of that, sections of the home crowd have jeered him on more than one occasion. The morale boost arrives at the right time: now he must turn it into football, goals and a renewed connection with the fans waiting to see their star back at his best.

Frequently asked questions about Vinicius's current form