Vinicius Junior has praised Reece James after Chelsea’s defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel had dismissed Chelsea’s chances of getting a place in the Champions League semi-final after their 3-1 defeat in the first leg last week.
But goals Mason Mount, Rudiger and Timo Werner gave the Champions League holders the much needed three-goal advantage with 15 minutes left to go at the Bernabeu.
But, a superb pass from Luka Modric set up Rodrygo’s goal to force the game into extra time before Karim Benzema’s header ended Chelsea’s hopes.
James, meanwhile, delivered an outstanding performance on Chelsea’s right flank up against Vinicius.
And the Brazilian winger took the time to acknowledge the Chelsea defender on social media after the match. In his response to James’ message which thanked Chelsea fans on Twitter, Vinicius said: ‘Great game bro. Good luck.’
The Brazilian was not the only Real Madrid star to recognise James’ performance as Benzema made a beeline for the Chelsea defender as he headed towards the tunnel and asked to swap shirts.
Speaking about James’ display after the game, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said: ‘Reece James was all over Vinicius, one of the most in-form wingers in the world.
‘And the one moment he was away from Vinicius, he set-up the winner.’
