With star summer signing Kylian Mbappe recovering from a thigh injury, Vinicius has taken the reins once again as Real's key attacking influence.
The reigning European champions are unbeaten in 14 matches on the continent and, after a hard-fought win over VfB Stuttgart on the opening day, are aiming to follow that up with victory at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Last season, Vinicius endured a sluggish start but hit form in the second half of the campaign to help Real earn a record-extending 15th European Cup triumph.
Despite brief teething problems as he and Mbappe work out how to play together in the first weeks of this season, the pair seem to be forging a good relationship before the Frenchman's injury.
Esta historia es de la edición October 02, 2024 de The Straits Times.
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Esta historia es de la edición October 02, 2024 de The Straits Times.
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DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES WORRY EMERY
Villa boss wants side to stop leaking goals as they prepare to face free-scoring Bayern
Vinicius the Real danger with Mbappe doubtful
MADRID - Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is hoping to end October with a first Ballon d'Or in his hands in Paris, but his month also begins in France with a Champions League visit to Lille on Oct 2.
‘Shame for Chiesa’ but Jota fit to face Bologna
LIVERPOOL - Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects Diogo Jota to feature in their Champions League clash with Serie A side Bologna at Anfield, despite the Portuguese forward's absence from training on Oct 1.
Cameroon chief Eto'o banned for 6 months by Fifa
CAMEROON - Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) chief Samuel Eto'o has been banned from attending the national team's matches for six months after violating Fifa's disciplinary regulations, football's governing body said on Sept 30.
"NEW DAWN" FOR ASIAN FOOTBALL
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Phogat wrestles for power in political arena
JULANA – Indian Olympic wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Games, but she is determined to keep fighting for her constituency and against sexual harassment of women as she contests state elections on Oct 5. Phogat retired from wrestling after she was disqualified ahead of the women's 50kg freestyle final for failing to make weight by 100g despite starving herself for a week.
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PURE JOY' AS JAMESES SHARE LAKERS FLOOR
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