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Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior proclaimed himself and Jude Bellingham as the new generation of Real Madrid stars in a social media post after their 2-1 win over Braga in the UEFA Champions League.
Los Blancos overcame Braga in a narrow 2-1 victory on Tuesday to maintain their 100% win record in the group stages after three matches.
Rodrygo opened the scoring for Carlo Ancelotti's side after only 16 minutes, while Bellingham made it 2-0 in the 61st minute. Braga forward Alvaro Djalo pulled one back for the hosts in the 63rd minute, to give them hope for a comeback.
However, Los Blancos saw off the remainder of the game and picked up a hard-fought win to consolidate their position at the top of the Group C.
Vinicius Jr., who was the creator of both their goals on the night, put up a post on X (formerly Twitter) wherein he hailed his partnership with Bellingham. He wrote:
"New duo!!! New generation!!! It's REAL MADRID!!!"
Vinicius and Bellingham have shown signs of a budding attacking partnership since the latter's arrival in Madrid this summer. The Englishman has been on fire, netting 11 times in 12 games across all competitions, including a goal in each of his three Champions League appearances.
As for Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian has scored three goals and provided two assists in nine games across competitions, a slightly underwhelming return as per his usual lofty standards.
In the previous two seasons, Vinicius forged a devastating partnership with Karim Benzema, with the duo leading the side to a multitude of trophies. However, the Frenchman's departure to Al-Ittihad this summer left a big void in their attacking department, which Bellingham has ably filled thus far.
Bellingham impressing on Real Madrid debut, Vinicius struggling to hit heights of yore
In the previous two seasons, Vinicius Junior was all the rage with his ruthless scoring streak and big-game mentality. He even scored the goal that won Real Madrid their 14th Champions League title in 2022 against Liverpool.
This season, however, he's looked subdued, struggling to replicate those heroics. Against Braga, though, the Brazilian winger was on fire and will be hoping to replicate such performances going forward.
Some of the responsibility of carrying Real Madrid's attack has been lifted off Vinicius' shoulders by Jude Bellingham. The Englishman has had no issues settling to life in the Spanish capital, netting 11 goals from 12 matches in all competitions while chipping in with another three assists.
Bellingham has made the best start at the club since Cristiano Ronaldo and going by his early returns, the 20-year-old has a strong case for being the best signing of the season.
