Olaleye Idowu
Lionel Messi is now behind Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior in assists records in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
To achieve this feat, the Brazilian international set up Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Manchester City at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead in the playoffs’ first leg after Erling Haaland’s 19th-minute strike.
Kylian Mbappe put Real Madrid on level terms in the 60th minute, but Haaland returned with the second for Man City in the 80th minute, this time from the spot.
Six minutes later, Real Madrid were back in the game through Brahim Diaz’s goal.
Brazilian superstar, Vinicius broke through the backline and lifted the ball over the onrushing Ederson and Bellingham put it into the open goal.
The assist was Vinicius 13th in the Knockouts of the Champions League, overtaking Lionel Messi, who has 12.
The 24-year-old also reached the number with fewer games, 50.
However, the Real Madrid man is a long way away from matching La Pulga’s total assist records in the tournament.
Messi has 40 assists in the Champions League and is third in the all-time assists charts.
His compatriot and national teammate, Angel Di Maria is second with 41 assists.
Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo is number one on the chart with 42 assists.
Manchester City would be praying for a miracle to happen when they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg of the playoff tie.
