Real face Barca in first leg of Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday
Monday 4 February 2019 12:33, UK
Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior is relishing the chance to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, saying the semi-final clash holds no fear.
The 18-year-old was left out of the squad by previous head coach Julen Lopetegui when Real last visited the Nou Camp in October.
However, he has undergone a dramatic transformation under Santiago Solari and received a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd after scoring against Alaves on Sunday.
He is likely to be involved again as Real travel to Barca on Wednesday for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.
"I'm not fazed by anything, I play for Real Madrid, the best team in the world and I fear nothing," he said.
"The Nou Camp is a great stage, we have to rest a bit for now and then work hard to try and beat Barca. I don't know if I'll play, the coach will decide what's the best way for the team to win."
Real head coach Solari kept his cards close to his chest when asked if he would field Vinicius against Barca.
"He had a magnificent game and left the pitch with the Bernabeu applauding him," he said.
"We're delighted with his progress and excited about his future, and the experienced players in the squad are looking after him, they are fond of him and they are giving him the right advice."
Real took advantage of Barca's 2-2 draw with Valencia to move within eight points of the La Liga leaders, although they are still third in the table.
Solari is backing his side to win at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
"Madrid are always the favourites in every game, we try to be humble, but we are always thinking about winning. We're not feeling euphoric at the moment, we're taking everything naturally and we'll try and put all our energy into the next game."
