El Clasico: How Ronaldo saw Vinicius Jr’s goal replace Messi’s record

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Bernabeu for the first time since leaving the Spanish giants on Sunday night.

The Portuguese superstar, who left Real Madrid for Juventus in the summer of 2018, was at his old stomping ground for the eagerly-anticipated Clasico after his current club’s Serie A clash against Inter Milan was called off due to health concerns. And he didn’t leave disappointed.

Real Madrid leapfrogged Barcelona into pole position after beating the Catalan club 2-0 in front of their home supporters.

Second-half goals from Vinicius Junior and Mariano Diaz, in the 71st and 92nd minutes respectively, sealed all three points for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

Barcelona were extremely disappointing on the night, with Lionel Messi and co. failing to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Vinícius Júnior really did the Ronaldo celebration while he was watching in the stands.

19-years old and balling. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/fGgiLj50VO

— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) March 1, 2020

But full credit must go to the hosts, who deserved their 2-0 victory.

Ronaldo, who was spotted in one of the Bernabeu’s executive boxes, watched on as Vinicius broke the deadlock via a deflection off Gerard Pique.

Zidane, whose side now sit one point above their fierce rivals with 12 fixtures remaining, praised Vinicius for playing a key role in the victory.

“Vinicius played well not just going forward but also defensively. He has the physical capacities,” the Frenchman was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail

Admitting it had been a “difficult week” following last week’s defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League, Zidane added: “We had a tough game against Manchester City and we played well for 80 minutes against them but lost the game.

“I wouldn’t say the players were affected by the defeat but we did speak a lot about this game being an opportunity. I have a great team and this result gives us a boost.”

Vinicius Junior became the youngster player to score in El Clasico in the 21st century – beating the record previously held by Lionel Messi.

The 19-year-old netted the opening goal of the game as Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners over bitter rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

WE ASKED, HE ANSWERED.
WE HOPE, HE DIDN’T LET US DOWN.
WE BACKED HIM, HE PROVED US RIGHT.

VINICIUS JUNIOR, THIS IS THE NIGHT THE BIG CAREER OFFICIALLY STARTS!

STAR! WE LOVE YOU! @viniciusjr

SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUIIIIIIIIII!! pic.twitter.com/QEoQGkFW8v

— BlancoTalks (@BlancoTalks) March 1, 2020

Messi became the youngest player in the modern era to score in the world-famous fixture when he hit the back of the net in a 3-3 draw at the Nou Camp in March, 2007.

But according to Opta, Brazilian forward Vinicius was 26 days younger when he helped win the derby for Real Madrid, who subsequently leapfrogged Barcelona in La Liga.

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The teenager wormed his way inside and saw his shot deflected past Marc-Andre ter Stegen via Gerard Pique’s foot.