Real Madrid beat Chelsea yesterday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final and Vinicius referred to his rivalry with Ronald Araujo in his post-match statements.
The Brazilian in the mixed zone was asked which player had the best cover for him so far since he was in Spain, who is his worst memory. “In Spain, it’s definitely Araujo. He is very good in defense and very strong, which is why he plays for Barcelona.
There is no doubt that during the recent matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the rivalry between these two players attracted the most attention and added to the tension. Araujo has held off Vinicius brilliantly in three Classics this season after being delegated by Xavi, but in the last leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final it was the Brazilian who emerged victorious.
The on-field relationships of these players are very different, as in clashes of this intensity and pressure. The two were able to high five each other after each other’s duels, and Vinicius even consoled the Uruguayan after his own goal in the league’s Classic by patting him on the back and saying “what a bad luck”. There was more bad blood in the last meeting. Araujo shoved the Brazilian away after one of his more provocative acts, and after the match he remarked: “Vinícius is a great player, but he needs to focus on the game.”
During yesterday’s statements to the media, Vinicius was also asked if he felt more protected by arbitrators in Europe than in Spain. – No, I don’t feel protected, just referees have to do what’s right. If a hard foul is committed in the first minute, you must be booked.
One of the journalists wanted the Real Madrid player to refer to the provocation in his direction. – Am I winding up? I have to do what I think and what the coach tells me. I am provoked from playing Flamengo at the age of 8. I don’t feel pressure, I play for the best club in the world, I have peace and people who love me.
