Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday that star winger Vinicius Jr has returned to his best form after the latter impressed one and all during the Whites’ 2-1 Champions League win over Sporting Braga.
The 23-year-old was named player of the match after he assisted England midfielder Jude Bellingham's goal.
Vinicius was sidelined for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury in August.
"He's back to his best. He got the goal, which was ruled out by the narrowest of margins, and he made two assists for Rodrygo and Bellingham," Ancelotti told reporters. "He's back, and he's back in form. He made the difference today.
"They (Bellingham and Vinicius Jr) work really well together with the ball and without it. We have to improve there but they're both doing a great job."
Real Madrid, the record 14-time Champions League winners who are at the top of La Liga with 25 points after 10 matches, will lock horns with arch-rivals Barcelona on Saturday. Third-placed Barcelona trail Madrid by just one point.
"After this game, we know exactly what we need to do — everything we can to win it," Ancelotti said.
"We have time to get ready for it. We're heading into this incredibly important game full of excitement."