"Reminded me of Pele" - Real Madrid legend makes big claim about Vinicius Jr after his showing in 5-2 win against Dortmund
Former Real Madrid striker Emilio Butragueno has compared Vinicius Jr with Brazilian legend Pele. He made the claim after Vinicius Jr scored a sensational hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League to script Real Madrid's comeback yesterday (October 22).
Butragueno claimed (via Tribal Football):
"He advanced with a power and control that give an idea of his physical strength. He has the clarity to decide where to place it and the technique to send it close to the post. How he entered the area and that feint... reminded me of Pele."
It was Vinicius Jr's third goal and Real Madrid's fifth of the evening which compelled Butragueno to make such a claim just a day before Pele's birthday. Pele would have turned 84 if he would have been alive but the footballing icon sadly passed away in 2022.
Real Madrid had a shaky start against Nuri Sahin's Borussia Dortmund. They were down 2-0 at half-time, courtesy of goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the 30th and 34th minute, respectively.
Defender Antonio Rudiger started the comeback in the 60th minute before Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr netted three goals, in the 62nd, 86th and 93rd minutes. The other goal came from Lucas Vazquez in the 83rd minute.
Real Madrid's upcoming fixtures
Carlo Ancelotti and his Real Madrid contingent will have a tough string of fixtures ahead of the November international break. They have three games in the La Liga and one in the UEFA Champions League.
Los Blancos' next fixture will take place on October 26 when they will welcome Hansi Flick's Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Blaugrana are currently sitting comfortably at the top of the LaLiga table with 27 points from 10 fixtures, three points ahead of Madrid.
The LaLiga outfit will then lock horns with Valencia, who are placed at the bottom of the standings, on November 2. Valencia will be looking for a comeback and their second win of the campaign.
After the Valencia clash, Ancelotti's group will have the daunting task of welcoming AC Milan to the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League on November 5. While Milan are struggling in the continental event, they are a side to be wary of.
The Madrid outfit's last fixture ahead of the international break will be against Osasuna, who are eighth in the table.