Vini Jr. was named man of the match in the game between Real Madrid and Salzburg, corresponding to the third and final matchday of the group stage of the Club World Cup. The Brazilian was the star of the show, scoring the first goal and providing a beautiful backheel assist for Valverde for the second. After the match, he expressed his delight at the result and qualification for the last 16: "I'm delighted with the goal, the assist, and everything we're doing in this competition. Now comes the most important part, the part we enjoy the most, where we can win an important title for this club."

"We’re feeling good, we played very well in the first half. The second half was a bit weaker, but that’s normal. We have to rest for the next game, which is very important in the last 16, and we can’t slip up."

Xabi Alonso's system
"The coach is gradually telling us what we have to do, and we're getting to grips with his style of play. Today was a good game in that respect."

Backheel assist
"I haven't seen the replay. But it was a good assist, I think one of the best I've ever given. Especially as it was for Valverde, who always gives me a lot of confidence; he's one of our captains, and it's always good when he scores."