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Featured Image Credit: PA Images
Topics: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Football, Premier League, Champions League, Reece James, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Football, Premier League, Champions League, Reece James, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has praised Reece James following Real Madrid’s dramatic win over Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea almost pulled off a stunning comeback at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
Goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner put Thomas Tuchel’s side on course for the last four.
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But a late goal from Rodrygo sent the match to extra-time, before Karim Benzema scored the winner to send Madrid through with a 5-4 aggregate victory.
After picking up an early yellow card, James did an impressive job of restricting Vinicius until the Brazilian was finally able to set up Benzema for the winning goal.
Vinicius took to social media on Wednesday to congratulate James on his performance after the Chelsea defender had thanked Blues fans for their support.
“A game full of emotions. We gave everything yesterday. Sometimes in life everything just isn’t enough,” James tweeted.
“Thank you for all of your support!”
Vinicius Jr replied: “Great game bro. Good luck.”
He was not the only Real Madrid player to acknowledge James’ efforts in the match.
After the full-time whistle had gone, Benzema rushed to ask James for his shirt as the England international was heading down the tunnel at the Bernabeu.
Speaking after the match, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also praised both James and Vinicius.
“Reece James was all over Vinicius, one of the most in-form wingers in the world,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“And the one moment he was away from Vinicius, he set-up the winner.”
Real Madrid are now through to the last four, where they will face either Manchester City or bitter rivals Atletico Madrid.
Pep Guardiola’s side hold a 1-0 lead over Atletico ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.