Alvaro Arbeloa says he is "very lucky" to have a "born leader" in Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, after his brace helped them to victory over Espanyol.
Vinicius struck twice in the second half at RCDE Stadium to clinch a 2-0 win for Madrid, which delayed Barcelona's title celebrations until at least next week.
The Brazilian was at the heart of Madrid's display, having seen an acrobatic volley crash against the post in the eighth minute before eventually getting his two goals.
Only Harry Kane (24) has scored more goals than Vinicius (16) in 2026 across all competitions among all players of the top five European leagues.
Vinicius led the way for shots (three), shots on target (two), touches in the opposition box (11) and chances created (three) among Madrid players on Sunday.
And Arbeloa was full of praise for the 25-year-old's superb display.
"He played a great game again, scoring two great goals, being the leader in the offensive part of the team, being a total threat every time he takes the ball, very aggressive, very intelligent, very brave, a constant," Arbeloa said of Vinicius.
"I reserved a little for him because I didn't want to gamble that he wouldn't be in the Clasico, and that's why he made the change.
"He has done a great job helping us at the back as well, which is something I always thank him for. A fantastic player, a born leader, a teammate that everyone loves, a great person. I'm very lucky."
Madrid had dropped points in five of their nine games prior to facing Espanyol, but their slim title hopes remain alive heading into El Clasico.
Barcelona can, however, claim the title if they avoid defeat against Madrid when the sides meet.
With another chance to delay their rivals' coronation coming up, Arbeloa urged Madrid to dig deep and keep showing their commitment.
"Talent alone is not enough," he added. "I like to see when the players understand that commitment is important and that Real Madrid's values are their own.
"We have not built Real Madrid with players who go out on the pitch dressed in tuxedos, but with players who end up with shirts full of sweat, mud, effort, sacrifice, perseverance.
"When talent meets commitment and effort, that makes us the best team in the world."
Vuailntuyz
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Vini plays better when Mbappe is not there
Vumbdmnstu
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VINI KNOWS FOR SURE THAT LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS AND THE STATISTICS OF MBAPPE, WHEN HE ( VINI) HELPS THE TEAM TO ACHIEVE MORE MBAPPE COULD WIN THE BALLON D'OR. THAT'S WHY WHEN MBAPPE ISN'T PLAYING HE WANTS TO SHOW UP. BLACK MAN WITH BLACK MENTALITY HAHA
Vumbdmnstu
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Vini is hypocrite he only thinks he wants to do it to please others. why don't he show up when please along with Mbappe
Anuolu190
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what's your profile
Tho all foòl are died luckily for you to survive
Kaeadekmtu
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This possessed human is a leader? with all his evil actions? Vini is disgusting even we Madrid fans knows it don't just know what to do. crying and falling around like a fool at all time.
Zazaclmps
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The problem is Perez. Let him bring in one cb, one rw and one midfielder
correct sir
Zazaclmps
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Y’all are just fòòlish and mad 😠, have never see a visitor with sense, and if Madrid is Madrid again before Mbappe left una life don spoil be that
what's your profile
Naokmptuz
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Vinicius isn't a born Leader. he hasn't displayed leadership quality with his behaviours. Madrid just need to sign an outright Striker and return Mbappe to wings. Then do overhaul of their Defence...only three Defenders are good to be retained by Madrid
Anuolu190
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Madrid problem Mbabe, or else you get rid of him before Madrid can be Madrid again
Y’all are just fòòlish and mad 😠, have never see a visitor with sense, and if Madrid is Madrid again before Mbappe left una life don spoil be that
/MADRIDISTA
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Madrid problem Mbabe, or else you get rid of him before Madrid can be Madrid again
The problem is Perez. Let him bring in one cb, one rw and one midfielder
yacamopuyz
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Madrid problem Mbabe, or else you get rid of him before Madrid can be Madrid again