Vinicius Jr Champions League assists record broken as Real Madrid star surpasses Lionel Messi in knockout-stage assists despite Bayern exit

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has set a new benchmark in European football after surpassing Lionel Messi’s record for the most assists in UEFA Champions League knockout-stage history, despite his side’s elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich.

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Vinicius Junior’s UCL assists achievement milestone was confirmed following Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, a result that ended the Spanish club’s hopes of progressing further in the competition.

In the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Vinicius Junior provided an assist for Kylian Mbappe, contributing to Real Madrid’s attacking performance in a high-intensity encounter that ultimately ended in a 4-3 defeat on the night.

The Brazilian now holds 13 assists in 41 Champions League knockout matches, moving ahead of Lionel Messi, who recorded 12 assists in 77 appearances at the same stage of the competition.

Vinicius Jr Champions League assists record places him among elite company, with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the chart on 15 assists in 85 knockout appearances across his storied European career.

Despite trailing Ronaldo, the Real Madrid star’s rapid rise in European competitions has intensified discussions about his long-term potential, with analysts noting that his age and consistency could allow him to challenge further records in the coming years.

Junior has already won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, while Lionel Messi remains on four and Cristiano Ronaldo leads with five across his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid.

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The achievement adds another highlight to Vinicius Junior’s growing reputation as one of the most influential attacking players in modern European football.