Vinicius Junior posts ‘excuse’ message after Real Madrid shocked by Arsenal
Vinicius Junior has taken to social media with a new message for Real Madrid supporters after being thumped by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian was made almost completely ineffective by Mikel Arteta‘s side on Tuesday, 8 April, with the Gunners sealing an incredible 3-0 win over the 2023/24 Champions League title holders.
Declan Rice was the standout hero for Arsenal, firing two world-class free-kicks past Thibaut Courtois, with Mikel Merino adding a late third to put the tie even further out of Madrid’s reach.
Matters were made worse for Carlo Ancelotti’s side when Eduardo Camavinga, heavily linked with Man City, received his marching orders, though he was already suspended for the second leg.
Vinicius Jr prepares for Real Madrid comeback after Arsenal thrashing
Taking to Instagram stories (9 April), Vinicius wrote, transcribed in English: “No excuse. Poor match. We need to improve and fight at the Bernabeu. Things have always happened on this pitch, and we can do it again.
“Until the end, always. HALA MADRID!” captioning an image of him clapping the away fans.
Mikel Arteta must be ready for Real Madrid fightback at the Bernabeu
Football Insider verdict
Arteta has been under tremendous pressure at Arsenal, but with the incredible 3-0 win over Madrid on Tuesday night, supporters will be believing in the Spaniard’s ideas once again.
Few expected Rice to be the one to step up to the first free-kick, but after firing that one into the back of the net, everyone was on their feet as he stepped up for another long-range effort.
| Arsenal | Real Madrid |
| 53% possession | 47% possession |
| 1.64 xG | 0.5 xG |
| 12 shots (11 on target) | 9 shots (3 on target) |
| 2 big chances created | 0 big chances created |
| 5 corners | 3 corners |
The return of Bukayo Saka has been an incredible boost for Arsenal, even with Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz all still missing through injury, but he was not in the spotlight this time.
While some supporters will still be disappointed with the Gunners’ attempt at keeping up the chase on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, it is impossible not to be behind the manager now.
Arteta has a very real opportunity of bringing the Champions League trophy to the Emirates Stadium, but he cannot get too carried away. Facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is a rather scary prospect.