Arsenal returned to winning ways on match day three of the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.
There were 18 teams in action on Tuesday night in the Champions League, with Arsenal playing out one of the more uneventful fixtures.
The most important thing was that Mikel Arteta’s side returned to winning ways after suffering defeat to Bournemouth.
Arsenal beat Shakhtar Donetsk in an underwhelming 1-0 victory, with the only goal of the game scored by opposition goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
- READ MORE: Five things you missed from Arsenal’s win vs Shakhtar Donetsk, including concerning Liverpool hint
Gabriel Magalhaes sends message to Vinicius Jr after Champions League victory
Fortunately, for neutrals, not every game on Tuesday evening was as lacklustre as the one that played out at the Emirates.
In Madrid, a blockbuster 90 minutes saw Real Madrid come back from being 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu.
Former Hale End star Donyell Malen opened the scoring for the visitors however, the night undoubtedly belonged to Vinicius Junior, who netted a hattrick.
The footballing world stood still to applaud the winger’s heroics on the biggest domestic stage, with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes acknowledging his international teammate’s quality.
On Instagram, Vinicius reacted to Madrid’s 5-2 victory, seeing Gabriel comment a four-word prediction regarding the Brazilian’s claim to the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
“The day is coming,” Gabriel said, alluding to the upcoming awards ceremony to celebrate the best performer in the men’s game for the year.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be crowned on October 28th, with Gabriel confident that Vinicius will take home the prestigious title.
Arsenal players nominated for the Ballon d’Or
Four members of Arteta’s squad have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, as well as Mariona Caldentey, who is a contender for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard received nominations, with former Gunner Granit Xhaka also making the cut.
- READ MORE: Arsenal star Bukayo Saka makes ‘huge’ admission after seeing his name nominated for Ballon d’Or
To have their work credited at such a high level will be an achievement in itself for the four Arsenal candidates however, no Gunner has ever won the prize.
From Thierry Henry to Dennis Bergkamp and other world-beaters on Arsenal’s books over the years, no one has found luck in North London as of yet.
Henry will feel cheated by the award for missing out to Pavel Nedved in 2003, as the Arsenal legend contributed to a standard 62 goals in all competitions, scoring 32 and assisting 30.
Arsenal’s luck will undoubtedly continue this year, with Vinicius in a good position to take home the trophy later this month.
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