Both Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Valencia 5-1 in La Liga on Saturday. The two Brazilians put on a show at the Bernabeu Stadium.
In the third minute, Real scored the first goal when full back Dani Carvajal hit a half-volley from the edge of the box after getting a great touch on the ball and lifting it over Valencia defender Jose Gaya.
Soon after, Toni Kroos hit a free kick that hit the post. However, even though the home team was better at first, Hugo Duro of Valencia had two great chances to score in a few minutes, but keeper Andriy Lunin made great saves from close range both times.
But Vinicius and Rodrygo were always a threat to Valencia’s defence. They created a number of chances before finally working together in the 42nd minute to make it 2-0.
Rodrygo ran down the right sideline and crossed the ball low to Vinicius. Vinicius jumped at the ball and scored with his shoulder, which is a popular move in footvolley games played on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, where he grew up.
Vinicius looked driven in his first game against Valencia since being racially abused by some of their fans in May. He scored again soon after break with a precise curling shot from the edge of the box.
One minute later, Rodrygo made it 2-0 by tapping in from close range after custodian Giorgi Mamardashvili made a mistake.
Rodrygo made the score even better with a great individual effort in the 84th minute. He dribbled past two players and finished well to the left of the custodian.
Two minutes from the end, Hugo Duro scored Valencia’s consolation goal with a shot from close range.
Carlo Ancelotti, the boss of Real, told DAZN, “It was a really great game.”
“We showed all of our skills from beginning to end.” Courage and attitude. The game was played very well.
“All of them (players) have done their part.” When Rodrygo and Vinicius are having a good day, a lot of chances have come up. That was perfectly shown in the game.”
With 32 points, Real is in second place, two points behind Girona, who beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 earlier on Saturday and took the lead.
Third-placed Barcelona has 27 points and plays weak Alaves on Sunday.