Vinicius Junior speaks ahead of Real Madrid match as they welcome Atletico Madrid in the first leg of UEFA Champions League.
The Madrid derby takes centre stage in the Champions League round of 16, with Atletico Madrid in a commanding position to try to finally get the best of rival Real Madrid in the European competition.
Real, record 15-time European champion and current holder, have been a thorn for Atletico in the Champions League over the years, beating the city rival in two finals.
But this Atletico arrives for Tuesday’s first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium playing some of its best football since coach Diego Simeone took over more than a decade ago, and showing confidence that it can meet the longtime rivals head on.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior said his team face early elimination from the Champions League if they make any mistakes against Atletico Madrid in their last 16 tie.
Madrid lost 2-1 against Real Betis on Saturday in LaLiga and Vinicius said their weak performance could not be repeated in Europe.
“I think in the last game, we lacked a bit of everythig , we made too many mistakes, we defended badly and did everything badly,” the winger told a news conference on Monday.
“It’s better it happened in the last game, as tomorrow we can make no mistakes because these are knockout games where you make a mistake and you’re going home, and we don’t want to go home so early.
“We’re here to keep improving our game and to put in a good performance tomorrow.”