Vinicius Junior reckons Celtic ’s position at the bottom of Group F is not a true reflection of their Champions League quality.
Ange Postecoglou ’s team are heading for Spain to face Real Madrid tomorrow night with their hopes of progression in the competition already at an end. Vinicius Jnr started their demise almost two months ago back on matchday one with an opening goal as his team triumphed 3-0 in Glasgow’s East End. Despite troubling Carlo Ancelotti’s superstars prior to that strike from the Brazilian and performing well in stages of their other four matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig, the Scottish champions will finish at the foot of the section regardless of the result in the Bernabeu.
Vinicius believes that’s tough on Postecoglou’s men as he said: “I am not sure Celtic’s position in the group reflects their quality. In the first game, they gave us a difficult first half and it was a tight game. Eventually our quality showed, but the way they played for 60 minutes, I was sure they would pick up more points than they have. Maybe they have just been unlucky.”
Celtic may be out, but Real still have plenty on the line. With just one point taken from their last two games in the section, Ancelotti’s side needs to beat Postecoglou’s team to be assured of top spot in Group F.
Vinicius knows what’s at stake and said: “It is a game where there is still much to play for. We are qualified, but our aim was to always win the group, so it is still important for us.
“Even if Celtic’s journey in the Champions League this season is over, they are a proud team and will want to get a positive result in their last game.”
Real are the holders of the trophy having won the competition for a record 15th time last season and the silverware is again their aim. Vinicius has his sights on it, but also has a World Cup to contemplate before Europe’s elite club competition reaches the nitty-gritty of the knockout stages.
He said: “For Real Madrid, the ambition is always to win the Champions League, but for now we are focused on Celtic and winning the group. Then we will wait for the draw and see what the next test is. Before the last 16, we have the World Cup, it’s going to be a big season.”
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