Real Madrid are the champions of the Spanish Super Cup. Just over a year after losing to Barcelona by a 3-1 margin last year, the Merengues took their revenge against the Blaugranas, downing them by a 4-1 margin.
The result, in the end, was completely deserved. Barcelona may have dominated the possession, but the better chances and more efficient finishing fell on Los Blancos’ side as they punished their opposition even for the smallest of errors.
Vinicius Jr. was Real Madrid’s MVP on the night as he struck the back of the net three times in less than 45 minutes to put the game out of Barcelona’s reach. Speaking to the media after his team’s comprehensive win over the Catalans, he expressed his joy over lifting the special trophy.
“I am very happy with the title, with the goals I have been able to score and with how we have played. I have thanked the physio in my house, all the doctors and physiotherapists of Real Madrid, my teammates and the coach and all his coaching staff.”
“They have given me the confidence and peace of mind to arrive today in my best version. I can’t be in the best yet because I’ve only had three games, but I’m very happy with the win and I want to continue like this,” he added reminiscing his recent injury woes.
The youngster was then asked to comment on his celebration on the night and who it was dedicated to. Unsurprisingly, he revealed that it was for his idol who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia.
“The celebration is for Cristiano, who is my idol and now he plays here. The people of Arabia have a great affection for me and I am very happy with that. As for the game, I am very excited about the team and what we have done today.”
“Playing against Barcelona is not easy and winning 4-1 is very difficult. We have played an almost perfect match, we have missed not to concede that goal from Lewandowski,” he added.
Real Madrid are the perennial favourites in any competition they participate in, and their lifting the trophy last night was only deserved. When asked if the men in white were the favourites on the three remaining fronts this season, Vini said,
“We are still in January and there is a lot of time to play and improve. Other teams are favourites, we want to continue playing as we are played. We have only lost one game this season after so many injuries as Militão, Courtois, and Alaba, I was also out for a while.”
“We have to follow this line to do things better because Real Madrid always comes back. We want to be favourites to continue winning and have the pressure that this club deserves,” he added.
The youngster was then asked if he saw any need for new signings in the ongoing winter transfer window as a member of the dressing room.
“Talk to the president about the hiring. The players we have are very happy. Those who have played less this season are playing more minutes. It is important for everyone to have confidence and when one has an injury another can replace it,” he said modestly.
He went on to reveal how every player in the white colour gave their everything on the field, reflective of the high standards at the club.
“Madrid is this, we have 25 players ready to do the best for this club. We are working every day. It’s all very fast and if we lose today, it’s not worth much. We have to be focused on what’s left of the season.”
On his lengthy injury spells this season which have seen him miss a major part of Real Madrid’s action, the Brazilian protege said,
“I do everything I can to not have injuries. I work a lot in the club and at home, I eat healthy and I try to do everything I can. I want to follow the example of all the players of the club, who do the right things to be always available, but sometimes it is not possible.”
“I have never had injuries and I have had the first ones this season. I’ve been very sad but I never give up on this club. I hope I don’t have any more injuries this season,” he added.
Vinicius Jr’s name is almost synonymous with controversies on the field, more often than not which he is the victim in. Speaking about the same, he said,
“The things that happen in the field stay there. The coach helps me and teaches me and I’m learning every day, in all games. I also learn from home by seeing what I do in the games.”
“I want to be a better person, but sometimes because I want to do the best for my team I end up missing the others, me and my teammates. I have to improve and continue in this line,” he continued.
Finally, he went on to detail the impact constant media coverage and criticism had on his career and confidence and how he coped with the same against all odds.
“I’m very sad. Everything that happens to me ends up in the press because Vini has done this or this other. I try my best to be very calm and focused on the game to be able to do the best for my teammates, but sometimes it’s not just me.”
“Of course I’m not a saint, sometimes I talk too much and I do dribbles that I shouldn’t, but I’m here to improve and set an example to the children who are looking at me. I want to improve and the coach and my teammates are teaching me every day what I should do,” he concluded.
A happy captain
Nacho Fernandez, the Super Cup-winning captain, was the next player to face the media and he expressed his elation over lifting his first trophy as the captain of the team.
“The hair stands on end. It’s been a hard week with two very complicated games. In the end, the dream came true, which was to raise the first title as captain. It’s not the first, but it’s special.”
He went on to praise his team for putting up such a special show on the night and maintaining confidence and belief even against a very strong opposition.
“We knew that we were coming in a very good dynamic. We have lost only one game all season. We are physically and mentally strong, which is the important thing in this type of match.”
“In front of a rival like Barcelona, going up so early on the scoreboard is not easy, but with the confidence we have, I do see it as normal,” he added.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Nacho expressed his confidence in the team’s success on all fronts.
“We are very confident, we are having a great season and this is very good for us to continue with this dynamic and even improve it.”
Finally, he took a moment to praise Vinicius Jr who was the team’s biggest hero against Xavi’s men.
“He is a spectacular player, the great game he has played is incredible. To raise a title.”