Vinicius: "We Haven't Done It Well for Two Years, but This One Will Be Different"

Vinicius Junior has delivered a bold message ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener: the Spanish giants will win the trophy this season. The Brazilian, who serves as second captain, admits the last two European campaigns were not up to par, but he is convinced the current squad has everything needed to lift the club's 16th European Cup.

• Vinicius states that Real Madrid will win the Champions League this season.
• He acknowledges the team has underperformed in Europe over the past two campaigns.
• The first goal is to finish among the top eight in the league phase.
• He describes Inter Milan as a very physical side that defends with five at the back.
• He calls his goals in the 2022 and 2024 finals the most important of his life.

Vinicius and Real Madrid's Ambition for the 16th European Cup

The Madrid forward makes no secret of the target. In comments released by the club, Vinicius expressed his desire to add another European title to the club's record: "I hope the 16th comes. We are ready for it. It is our competition." The Brazilian accepts that the previous two seasons were not good enough in the continent's top club competition, but he feels this edition will be a different story.

We haven't done it well for two years. Our first goal is to be among the top eight. We are always excited about the Champions League. This season will be different from the last two Champions Leagues and we are going to win it.

The competition's new format, featuring an eight-round league phase, makes it crucial to finish in the top eight to avoid the extra knockout playoff round. Vinicius identifies that as the team's first objective before turning to the elimination rounds.

Vinicius Breaks Down the Challenge of Facing Inter Milan

Real Madrid's first hurdle in this Champions League campaign is Inter Milan, the reigning Serie A champions and 2023 finalists. Vinicius warns about the Italian side's physical strength and their defensive setup: "Inter is a very strong team physically, they defend with five defenders and that usually makes things difficult for us, but the coach has it prepared."

The Brazilian also mentioned the injuries affecting the squad at the start of the season. Despite the absences, he trusts that every player who takes the field will step up and that the Santiago Bernabeu crowd will make a difference on European nights.

We have some absences, which makes it harder for us, but we are all going to come out strong and hopefully we can have that wonderful connection with the fans in these matches.

His Goals in the 2022 and 2024 Finals, the Most Important of His Life

Vinicius already knows what it means to score in a Champions League final, and he has done it twice. The Brazilian netted the winner in the 2022 final in Paris against Liverpool and repeated the feat at Wembley in 2024 against Borussia Dortmund. Both goals are now part of Real Madrid's rich European history.

"They are the two most important goals of my life. It is something that goes down in history. Many players score goals, but few do it in finals. And to do it at the biggest club in the world is something neither the fans nor I will ever forget," said the forward, who at 24 already boasts an enviable trophy collection in the white shirt.

Vinicius' New Role as Real Madrid's Second Captain

The 2024-2025 season places Vinicius Junior in a position of greater responsibility within the dressing room. As second captain, the Brazilian takes on a leadership role that extends well beyond his impact on the pitch. His statements ahead of the European opener reflect that maturity and his commitment to Real Madrid's collective objectives.

The club is looking to reconnect with European glory after two campaigns in which it failed to reach the semifinals, an unusual situation for a team accustomed to dominating the continent. Vinicius' ambition is shared by a squad that blends experience and youth, with the Brazilian as one of its main attacking references.