Real Madrid fans need something to smile about after Wednesday night’s humiliating 3-1 defeat against Tottenham at Wembley.In what must surely go down as the worst performance of the Zinedine Zidane era, Los Blancos were comprehensively outplayed by their English opponents.This was Madrid’s second defeat in four days, following their 2-1 loss away at Girona on Sunday, and the pressure is beginning to build on Zidane’s shoulders.Fortunately for the under-fire French coach, his side face struggling Las Palmas at the Bernabeu this weekend.It looks inevitable that the reigning European and Spanish champions will get back to winning ways.Following the abject performance at Wembley, though, Zidane will be tempted to ring the changes and hand some starts to some of the club’s youngsters on the fringes of the first team.Although things aren’t going well at the moment, Madrid possess some hugely talented young footballers including Marco Asensio, Borja Mayoral, Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos, all of whom starting on the bench against Spurs.
Don't forget about Vinicius Junior
But arguably their most talented youngster is currently plying his trade in Brazil.
Madrid announced the signing of 16-year-old Flamengo forward Vinicius Junior back in May 2017, forking out a cool £38.7 million for his services.
The deal is complete but Vinicius won’t become a Madrid player until the transfer becomes official next July, when the exciting starlet turns 18.
The teenager, who has scored 19 goals in 22 appearances for Brazil’s Under-17 side, showcased his class in the hours after Madrid’s defeat in London.
Vinicius stars in Flamengo comeback
Flamengo were 3-1 down in their Copa Sudamericana quarter-final fixture against Fluminense when Reinaldo Rueda sent on Vinicius to rescue the match.
He did just that, playing a starring role during the final 25 minutes and inspiring Flamengo’s dramatic late comeback.
Although he didn’t score or assist either of Flamengo’s final two goals, he was still instrumental in the turnaround.
“Vinicius did not disappoint; he proved to be the creator, saviour and ultimate team player,” per Marca’s report. “He made the most of fouls against him, many of which led directly to attempts on goal.
“But instead of trying to steal the limelight from his teammates, he played a key role as a pillar in attack - it was a performance which was thoughtful and balanced, and ultimately one which led to two goals.”
Flemengo subsequently won the tie 4-3 on aggregate and will now face Sport Recife or Junior FC in the semi-finals.
If they win the Copa Sudamericana they will secure direct qualification for the Copa Libertadores - South America's equivalent of the Champions League.
Video: Vinicius' highlights v Fluminense
A video of his individual highlights has now emerged and you can see why there’s so much hype surrounding this kid. He looks class.
Watch his highlights here…
Unfortunately for Madrid fans, though, they’ll need to wait before they see Vinicius in action for their club.
The Brazilian ace is expected to be loaned back to Flamengo for the 2018-19 campaign.