Real Madrid fell short against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, finishing as runners-up despite a standout performance from Vinícius Júnior. According to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the team failed to capitalize on Vini’s brilliance.
“We didn’t take advantage of this version of Vini Jr. today, he was a nightmare for them and we didn’t capitalize on that,” Courtois lamented in the mixed zone, highlighting the Brazilian’s impact even in defeat.
Vinícius Júnior shines despite the loss
Statistics underscore Vini Jr.’s influence in the match:
- Minutes played: 82
- Touches: 28
- Rating (SofaScore): 8.1
- Goals/Assists: Scored a brilliant equalizer, part of 16 career goal involvements in finals for Real Madrid
His goal featured a dazzling solo run: nutmegging Jules Koundé, cutting past Pau Cubarsí, and finishing into the corner past Joan García, briefly leveling the score after Barcelona’s opening goal from Raphinha.
Despite Vinícius Júnior’s efforts, Barcelona ultimately won 3-2 with a decisive goal from Raphinha in the second half.
Vini Jr. cements his place among Real Madrid legends
The Super Cup goal brought Vinícius Júnior’s total goal involvements in finals for Real Madrid to 16, matching club legends Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferenc Puskás, and Karim Benzema. This milestone underscores his status as one of the club’s most decisive players in key matches.
For the season, Vini Jr. now has six goals and seven assists in 27 matches, finally breaking a long scoring drought and demonstrating his continued importance to the team even amid setbacks.
Gente pelo amor de Deus, ele pode estar na PIOR fase da carreira, mas ele sempre vai meter um golaço completamente do nada
Diferenciado. Vinicius Junior.
— CR7 Brasil (@CR7Brasil) January 11, 2026
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
