Vinicius sets Real Madrid’s target: “We are going to win the Champions League”

Vinicius Junior has made Real Madrid’s objective perfectly clear before the new Champions League campaign. The Brazilian acknowledged that the club fell short of its standards in the previous two editions, but believes the current squad is ready to bring another European Cup to the Santiago Bernabéu.

“Hopefully the 16th will come. We are ready for it. This season will be different and we are going to win the Champions League,” the second captain said in comments released by Real Madrid.

THE CAMPAIGN STARTS AGAINST INTER

Real Madrid begin their league-phase schedule against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday at 9:00pm CEST. It will also provide an immediate opportunity to respond to the 1–0 league defeat against Real Betis.

Vinicius did not underestimate the Italian side. He described Inter as a physically powerful team and highlighted their tendency to defend with a five-man back line, a structure that has caused Real Madrid difficulties in the past.

The forward nevertheless expressed confidence in José Mourinho’s preparation. Real Madrid will have to manage several absences, but Vinicius expects the available players to respond and hopes the Bernabéu crowd can create the kind of connection that has driven the team through so many European nights.

A TOP-EIGHT FINISH COMES FIRST

The ultimate ambition is clear, but Real Madrid’s immediate objective is to finish among the top eight teams in the league phase. That would secure direct qualification for the round of 16 and avoid the additional knockout play-off.

Vinicius admitted that the last two Champions League campaigns were not good enough by the club’s standards. His prediction of victory is therefore not based on pretending those disappointments never happened. It is a statement of confidence that the team can produce a different response this time.

No September declaration can guarantee a trophy several months later. At Real Madrid, however, entering the competition without aiming to win it would sound far less convincing. The Brazilian has placed the target in full view. The work begins against Inter.

VINICIUS HAS ALREADY DELIVERED IN FINALS

Vinicius speaks with the experience of a player who has already shaped major European finals. He scored decisive goals against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, helping Real Madrid lift the trophy on both occasions.

The Brazilian described those strikes as the most important goals of his life. Plenty of players score during a Champions League campaign, but very few decide finals. Those moments explain why Vinicius has earned such an important position within the squad and now serves as the club’s second captain.

His latest message carries both confidence and responsibility. Vinicius believes Real Madrid are equipped to compete for another European title, and he has not hidden behind cautious language. Inter will provide the first test of that conviction.