Vinicius fills Benzema void with Madrid brace
ELCHE 1 REAL MADRID 2
Vinicius Junior’s solid start to the season continued as he scored twice in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Elche to ensure the rested Karim Benzema was not missed.
Vinicius opened the scoring with a 22nd-minute strike and after Elche midfielder Raul Guti was sent off for a second booking, the Brazilian winger put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute. Elche substitute Pere Milla pulled one back with four minutes to play, but it was not enough to retain their unbeaten home record this season.
“We were very practical,” said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti. “After only two days rest, it’s not possible to play with intensity and energy. We played with a low block and tried to find opportunities. Fortunately we got the three points.”
The 21-year-old Vinicius once again showed his much-improved finishing. The double took his tally in all competitions to nine in 14 appearances this season, compared to six goals in 47 outings in 2020-21.
“This is thanks to the work I have been putting in since I arrived,” said Vinicius, who made his debut for Real aged 18 after the club had secured his transfer from Brazil’s Flamengo when he was 16.
Benzema’s resurgence for France means Ancelotti opted to leave the striker at home after having already played 17 games this season.
It meant a surprise start for Mariano Diaz but it was Vinicius who filled the void. The Brazilian has long been circled as one of Real’s most exciting talents but he has found a different level under Ancelotti. “I haven’t done anything,” Ancelotti said. “I just try to give him confidence. I am not a magician.”
Casemiro poached a loose ball in the 22nd minute to feed Mariano, who backheeled behind him into the path of Vinicius. Vinicius took one touch into the area and clipped a left-footed finish into the far corner.
Guti, who picked up two yellow cards, left soon after the hour mark for Elche. Madrid added a superb second 10 minutes later. It started with a slick combination between their midfield three as Casemiro laid off for Kroos, who steered a superb pass to Luka Modric through the midfield. Modric slid through Vinicius, who drew out the goalkeeper just enough before scooping it over him and into the net.