Vinicius Junior trains with Real Madrid as Ancelotti urges fans to cherish watching him

Brazil forward has been regularly targeted for racist abuse in Spain this season but Real Madrid boss says player is 'focused' ahead of Champions League clash with Liverpool

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a training session at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, February 20, 2023. Real Madrid face Liverpool in the Champions League last 16 first leg on February 21.

Real Madrid's Eden Hazard and Vinicius Junior during training. Reuters

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema takes part in a training session held at Anfield. EPA

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior ties his laces during a training session held at Anfield. EPA

Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos. EPA

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in action during a training session. EPA

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti. EPA

Real Madrid's Eder Militao, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric during training. Reuters

Real Madrid's Alvaro Rodriguez. Reuters

Real Madrid's Luka Modric in action during training. Reuters

Real Madrid's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attends a team training session at Anfield. AFP

Spectators in the stands watch Real Madrid players during a training session at Anfield, Liverpool. PA

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged fans to enjoy watching Vinicius Junior rather than target the Brazilian for racist abuse.

Vinicius has been abused regularly in Spain this season with La Liga taking six cases of "racist insults or chants" to public prosecutors.

A group of Atletico Madrid ultras hung an effigy of the 22-year-old from a bridge near Real's training ground, a matter being investigated by police, while numerous instances of racism aimed at Vinicius have been filmed.

Vinicius scored the winner as Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in last season's Champions League final.

And Ancelotti believes he will rise to the occasion once more when the sides face off again in Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first leg at Anfield.

"You can only change people through culture, a common purpose and feeling of humanity. Don't blame Spain for this, it happened in every country," Ancelotti said at his pre-match press conference on Monday.

"Vini is managing really well, he is focused on the game and loves to play football and this doesn't affect on the pitch. When games are important we see the best of him and it is obviously going to be a big game tomorrow.

"At the moment it is wonderful to be watching Vinicius as every football fan likes his quality.

"They like to see Pedri, Gavi, [Kylian] Mbappe, [Erling] Haaland. Vinicius is up there with these players and we can enjoy quality players like that."

Liverpool train ahead of Real Madrid clash

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones during a training session at the AXA Training Centre on Monday, February 20, 2023, ahead of their Champions League last-16 match against Real Madrid. PA

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah trains. PA

Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas and Mohamed Salah during training. PA

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and manager Jurgen Klopp at training. PA

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez. PA

Liverpool's Dutch striker Cody Gakpo trains. AFP

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo takes part in a team training session. AFP

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. EPA

Liverpool's Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino during training. AFP

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson, centre, and teammates take part in a team training session. AFP

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. EPA

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino and Fabinho share a joke. AFP

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott at training. Reuters

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. PA

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott during training. Reuters