The Brazilian Vinícius Junior will play his 80th Champions League match in the second leg of the round of 16 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, surpassing a record for precocity held by his Real Madrid teammate, Kylian Mbappé. At 25 years and 248 days old, Vinícius will become the youngest player to reach 80 matches in the 'Champions League', provided no unforeseen circumstances prevent him from playing at the Etihad. This record is held by Mbappé, who set it while playing for Real Madrid on January 29, 2025, in a victory over Brest, when he was 26 years and 33 days old. A key player in Real Madrid's last two conquests in the competition, scoring goals in the 2021-22 final against Liverpool and in the 2024-25 campaign against Borussia Dortmund, Vinícius has played 79 matches for the Madrid club in the Champions League, with a record of 48 wins, 10 draws, and 21 defeats, contributing 32 goals and 31 assists.
