Save Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti Says Vinicius Deserves To Win The Ballon D'Or

Vinicius Junior celebrated a goal with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti in the match against Borussia Dortmund. (X/@realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti did not hesitate to praise the forward Vinicius Junior who scored a hat trick in the match against Borussia Dortmund. Vinicius, who saved Madrid from defeat and turned 5-2 in a duel at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in the morning, is said to be worthy of winning the Ballon d' Or.

Madrid had difficulty facing Dortmund. In the rematch of the 2024 Champions League final, Madrid conceded two goals in the first half. But they finally bounced back in the second half.

Defender Antonio Rudiger opened Madrid's goal to reduce the lag. Next, Vinicius scored a hat trick which made Madrid able to turn things around. While one more goal was scored by Lucas Vazquez.

Ancelotti gave a special tribute to Vinicius who played a big role in helping Los Merengues win their second win of their first three matches in the Champions League qualifiers.

"I just want to say that it is very rare to see a player who played as good as Vinicius in the second half. Not because of the three goals he scored but his character. He must admit he is a very special player," said Ancelotti who called Vinicius worthy of winning the Ballon d' Or this year.

"Vinicius will win (Ballon d' Or). Not based on what he has done in this match, but what he has achieved over the past year. In contrast, three goals (against Dortmund) are a record for the Ballon d' Or award the following year," he said again.

Ancelotti also explained the reasons why Vinicius was often the target of ridicule by supporters. In fact, he was a victim of racism even though not a few Madrid players were black.

"He is the player who is the most often a victim of ridicule because he can always make a difference," he said.

Ancelotti, further, responded to the condition of the team who had fallen 2-0 in the first half. According to him, especially players do not panic while in the dressing room. In addition, players show maturity and experience so they already understand what to do to get up.

"We remain calm, even very calm (during the break). We then changed the game system and had to play with high intensity," said Ancelotti.

"How to score three goals [to turn things around] is like a dream. So, we talked more about the details of the game like how to pass and win a duel. We have to be sure to win this full dynamic match. From there we started the game to win," he said.

In that match, Madrid was hot late. As a result, Dortmund, who started brilliantly ahead through Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens, the England U-21 national team star who has been said to be joining the senior team.

Madrid finally got up when Ruediger's header broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Furthermore, Vinicius made the score change 2-2. Meanwhile, Vazquez's goal turned things 3-2. Vinicius then completed Madrid's victory by picking up two goals as well as scoring a hat trick.

"We had difficulties in the first half. We also often lost the ball. In the second half, our performance was better and of good quality. We also put more pressure on it. This is our best performance in the second half of the season," said Ancelotti.

"We have to learn from what we did in the second half. We had to play better from the start and didn't let the opponent lead two goals. We have to admit we couldn't play as high intensities as in the second half for 90 minutes. But we tried to be more balanced," he said.

After Dortmund, Madrid returned to play a match that was not easy. They met Barcelona's arch rivals in el clasico in the La Liga Spanish competition, Sunday, October 27, 2024 in the morning WIB.

If they win, Madrid will match Barca's points as well as make competition in domestic competition even hotter.