Vinicius Junior has struggled to consistently hit top form this season but snatched Real Madrid a vital 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich on Tuesday with a brace to give his team every chance of reaching the Champions League final.

The 23-year-old forward’s strikes bookended a pulsating first-leg semifinal battle at the Allianz Arena, leaving all to play for in the Spanish capital next week.

England international Jude Bellingham’s explosion on to the scene has taken some focus from Vinicius, but the Brazilian was decisive on the big stage for the record 14-time winners.

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe lead the scoring charts in the Champions League with eight goals each, but Vinicius climbed to five on a heady spring evening in Munich.

This season the forward has sadly been in the headlines for the incessant racist abuse aimed at him in Spanish stadiums as much as his goalscoring exploits, but this was a night where his qualities came to the fore.

Vinicius spotted Toni Kroos’ cunning intentions after 24 minutes, running on to the German midfielder’s low through ball and stroked past Manuel Neuer to put Madrid ahead.

After Leroy Sane and Kane turned the game on its head, it was Vinicius again who pulled Madrid level.

The striker broke into the box with a slalom run and released compatriot Rodrygo, who was clumsily hauled down by Bayern defender Kim Min-jae.

Vinicius stayed calm to slot home the resulting penalty and ensure Madrid start off on even footing back at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We have to continue with cool heads, rest until next week, and we will give everything to leave the Bernabeu qualified for London,” Vinicius told Movistar, setting his sights on the Wembley final. “I’m very happy that I could score two goals, and now we need to have a magical night at home.”

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