Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has opened up on what Carlo Ancelotti told his side at half time in their pulsating 5-2 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.
Los Blancos looked to be heading to defeat after early goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Antonio Rudiger got Real back into the game in the 60th minute, however, with Vinicius then rising to the fore.
The Brazil international scored a sublime hat-trick, with Lucas Vazquez also on target, as Real pulled off a magnificent comeback.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has opened up on what Carlo Ancelotti told his side at half time in their pulsating 5-2 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night
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Vinicius has now opened up after the game.
And the Real star revealed Ancelotti told his players they’d win the game if they scored the first goal in the second half, a prophecy that ultimately came true.
“We believe in ourselves. We’re at our home, in front of our fans, and anything is possible,” said the Brazil international.
“When we came into the dressing room at half-time we were all very quiet and we just listened to the gaffer.
“He just told us one thing, that if we got the first goal, we’d make the comeback again.
“We managed to do it again thanks to the fans and the team, who really gave it their all.
“But we have to improve and play like this from the off, otherwise the coach won’t be able to take it.”
Vinicius’ hat-trick shows what a player he is. If reports are to be believed, he will soon become the latest Real player to win the Ballon d’Or.
But Ancelotti, according to the winger, wants him to remain grounded.
“Ancelotti told me to keep it up, that I can always do more,” continued the forward.
“I’m still only 24, I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here.”
Meanwhile, Ancelotti also opened up on the result – and the performance of his star man.
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Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr bagged a sublime hat-trick in their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night
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The Italian believes Vinicius will soon be recognised as the best player in the world – and dubbed his display ‘extraordinary’.
“It’s unusual to see a player have a second half quite like that,” he said. “It’s strange to see now, or in the past.
“He brought energy, intensity, character… It was an extraordinary display.
“He gets jeered when we go to other stadiums because he can make the difference. He’s respected in this country. He’s helping reduce the racism issue, he’s highly respected.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with Vinicius Jr’s display in their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund
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“He’ll win the Ballon d’Or, but not for what he did tonight, rather what he did throughout last year, in helping us win the Champions League.
“These three goals will help him towards the next Ballon d’Or.”