Steve McManaman leads the praise as Vinicius Jnr fires Real Madrid into the lead against Man City
‘I didn’t know a man his size could hit the ball so hard!’: Steve McManaman leads the praise as Vinicius Jnr puts Real Madrid ahead against Manchester City with lightning bolt in the first half
- Steve McManaman praises Vinicius Jr’s attack as he puts Real Madrid ahead
- The Brazilian shoots like lightning in the first half in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League
- Follow the action LIVE as Man City take on Real Madrid in the Champions League
Steve McManaman described his shock at Vinicius Jr’s opener in the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City.
After a tense opening half hour at the Bernabeu, the Brazilian eased the Champions League tie with a thunderous effort from the edge of the penalty area that cleared Ederson’s chance in Manchester City’s goal.
The 21-year-old’s effort seemed to surprise even his teammates, and watching from his co-commentary position BT Sportsshared former Madrid star McManaman in disbelief at the quality of the strike.
“I didn’t know a man his size could hit so hard!” McManaman declared as Vinicius’ shot went into the back of the net.
It was Vinicius Jr’s 23rd goal of the season as he aims to send Real Madrid to their second successive Champions League final. A year after his goal, Real secured their 14th European Cup with a victory over Liverpool.
Vinicius Jr celebrates opening the scoring against Manchester City with a miraculous strike
Speaking on co-commentary, Steve McManaman led the praise for Vinicius’ thunderbolt
Speaking in the studio at half-time, Rio Ferdinand also marveled at the attack, but was also impressed by how Real Madrid controlled the first half before Vinicius Jr took his moment to shine.
“I was amazed at the calmness, the courage, how Real just sits and waits.” said Ferdinand.
“City have come here, they absolutely battered them in terms of possession, but that counts for nothing, they sit and wait, they are calm, they concentrate and when it comes to striking, the clinical element of this team speaks for his.
Vinicius drives off after not giving Ederson a chance with his stunning opening hit
Modric wins the ball, beats the press. Vinicius, I went all out, this was crazy.’
Sitting next to Ferdinand, Michael Owen wondered if City could have stopped the Brazilian before attempting his special shot on target.
Owen said, “It’s a great finish. There are a lot of numbers back for City, can someone turn on a little earlier? You can’t derive anything from that finish.’
