Vinícius Júnior has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the Champions League after leading Real Madrid to a historic 2-3 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Despite not scoring, the Brazilian was named the best player of the match, recording his 12th assist in the tournament's knockout rounds and closing in on records held by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Beyond the numbers, Vinícius showed personality in a hostile Etihad atmosphere. City fans displayed a banner supporting Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner, and sang "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" to mock Madrid. However, the Brazilian responded with a smile and pointed to the 15 Champions League titles badge on his jersey before showcasing his quality on the pitch with a crucial assist for Jude Bellingham's goal.

The Brazilian’s Champions League stats are remarkable: 28 goals and 22 assists in 68 games. In knockout rounds, he has equaled Messi's record of 12 assists in just 30 matches—47 fewer than the Argentine. He is also just three assists away from Cristiano Ronaldo, the top assist provider in Champions League knockout stages since 1992. With his outstanding performances, the Madrid No. 7 continues to climb the tournament’s historical rankings.

Vinícius' love affair with the Champions League reinforces his desire to stay at Real Madrid. Amid rumors of a lucrative offer from Saudi football, the Brazilian made his commitment clear: "I've always said I want to stay here and make history." His contract renewal until 2027 is in progress, and he himself confirmed that he hopes to finalize his future soon to continue building his legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu.

With every match, Vinícius Júnior cements himself as the new Mister Champions, the player who has been involved in the most goals in knockout stages since making his debut in 2018. His impact on the competition not only places him among the best but also projects him as Real Madrid's key figure in Europe's biggest tournament.