Headers Take Center Stage: Vinícius Júnior Hits 350 Real Madrid Appearances in a Copa del Rey Clash

Match context

Headed goals: the quickest route to Real Madrid's net.

Brazilian Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid's star, enters a historic list with his appearance against Albacete.

Key moments

Madrid visited Albacete on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey round of 16, a match eagerly anticipated by fans.

Opta confirms Vinícius earned his 350th Madrid appearance across all competitions, a milestone worth noting.

He is the third Brazilian to reach it, after Marcelo Vieira and Roberto Carlos.

The first half finished 1-1 as Albacete's Javi Villa headed in amid a lively crowd.

Opta notes Madrid have conceded nine headed goals this season, the most in La Liga by a margin.

This was Madrid's first game under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa following Xabi Alonso's departure.

Punchline: If headers paid rent, crosses would own Madrid's skyline.

Punchline: Gravity keeps the ball honest—Madrid's defense could use a trampoline.