Real Madrid can thank Vinícius Júnior twice. And then they can thank him one more time.
Vinícius Júnior's performance against Levante was amazing. In fact, it may have just been the best performance we have seen from him this season.
He scored a brilliant, cheeky goal, had a really good assist, and was toying with Levante players the way only he could, and it reminded Real Madrid fans of how good he used to be last year.
I hope this is the beginning of another brilliant arc in Vinícius Júnior's career, because he absolutely deserves it.
In a way, though, Vinícius did respond to Xabi Alonso's indirect challenge that was imposed on him a few days ago, and he reacted in the best way possible.
Vinícius Júnior was just incredible against Levante
Before the match, Alonso was asked about Vinícius' angry substitution, to which he said: “Franco [Mastantuono] wanted to carry on playing too. He said to me, ‘Are you taking me off?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ Something similar happened with Vini. He wasn’t very happy, but neither was Franco.”
"It happens to everyone, but I’m very happy with Vinícius' performance. The schedule is demanding and we have to keep going."
Now, Vinícius loves proving people wrong, and you could say that is what Alonso wanted from him, because he would want the best for Real Madrid at all times. However, he did actually back it up.
Not only did Vinícius score the first goal for Real Madrid - a brilliant finish, one of the best I have seen this season - he also set up - wait for it - Franco Mastantuono for Real Madrid's second of the night. He was absolutely on it that day, and there was no stopping him.
Vinícius has been substituted many times this season, which is not at all what we all have come to expect of him. Vinícius never gets subbed off, especially in the big games, and it has happened quite a few times this season. You could say that may be a way to get the hunger in him alive again, and if that is the case, then I really hope it happens.
On his best day, Vinícius is easily a top three player in the world. In fact, at his literal best, he was the best player in the world. Having him perform like that again would be a dream for Real Madrid fans, and a ceiling raiser for the club.
Hopefully, that is what ends up happening.