After spending almost a year on this operation, Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior were finally able to reach an agreement to renew the Brazilian’s contract this summer. With this renewal, the uncertainty surrounding the winger’s future at the Merengue club was almost entirely eliminated, and it was hoped that he would be able to return to his best form.

However, the first few weeks of the new season have not really supported these optimistic predictions. Vinicius has particularly struggled to shine on the pitch , and has scored only one goal in eight appearances so far.

He was particularly below his expected level in the derby against Atletico Madrid, as Jose Mourinho decided to take him off with a lot of the game still to be played. Following that performance, the star forward left Real Madrid to join Brazil for the September international break, with the fans hoping that this break would allow him to play in a different environment, and thus help him regain his form.

However, these hopes have also not materialized, as Vinicius struggled in his team’s games against Australia. Still, he was able to get on the scoresheet today, as he scored from the penalty spot and thus ended his goal drought that had lasted for six matches.

As Diario AS has reported, the Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted after the 4-2 win against Australia that the winger was not going through his best run of form, while still recognizing his importance:

“I know him very well and he is a fundamental player for Brazil and for me. He is also a fundamental player for Brazil’s history and future. He is not at his best at the moment, but even so, he can make the difference, as he did today. He didn’t open the scoring, and I’m going to be very patient with him.”

Meanwhile, Vinicius also talked to the media after the match, and thanked his teammates for helping him regain his scoring touch:

“Bruno (Guimarães) is the one who takes penalties when Raphinha is not on the pitch. I thought he wanted to take it himself, but he knows I need a bit of confidence. I hadn’t scored in a few matches. It is important to score again.”