Madrid´s Casemiro lauds ´difference maker´ Vinicius after game-winning strike

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro hailed “difference maker” Vinicius Junior after the in-form Los Blancos star produced a moment of brilliance to sink Sevilla in LaLiga.

Vinicius’ stunning late goal helped Madrid overcome rivals Sevilla 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Rafa Mir’s early header had Madrid on the backfoot against former head coach Julen Lopetegui, but Karim Benzema restored parity after the half-hour mark.

Vinicius then stepped up three minutes from the end with a wonderful long-range shot as Madrid moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad atop the standings.

The Brazil international has now scored nine goals in 14 LaLiga appearances this season – one more than in his previous 82 games for Madrid in the competition, and Casemiro lauded 21-year-old.

“He knows that the teams are going to make it difficult for him because they realise that he’s a very important player for Real Madrid,” Casemiro said of his countryman.

“Great players score great goals whenever they get the chance.

“We know he’s a great player, he’s a difference maker when he gets the chance.”

9 – Vinícius Júnior