Vinicius was humiliated by Benzema, now they're Real Madrid's biggest weapons

The 21-year-old Brazilian was in startling form as he netted twice for the second time this season, running rings round the Shakhtar defence for his second of the night, scoring in Lionel Messi-esque fashion.

It's not the first time Vinicius has managed a brace in Europe, famously netting a double to knock Liverpool out of the quarter-finals last season, but that was seen as a flash in the pan.

Now, though, the winger is finally finding some consistency, helping Karim Benzema carry the load up front while beginning to fulfil his huge potential.

Vinicius now has seven goals this season, his most ever for Real, and has done so in just 11 games.

Benzema previously had to publicly apologise to his new wingman, after cameras picked up the Frenchman advising teammates not to pass to Vinicius.

"Don't play with him. On my mother's life, [Vinicius] is playing against us," Benzema was caught saying in the tunnel before a match against Borussia Monchengladbach.

The youngster had also fallen out with Madrid's supporters due to his lack of consistency, earning him the nickname 'Fictitious' due an apparent on-field disappearing act.

But his partnership with Benzema has quickly become Madrid's biggest asset, with the pair linking up effectively in a vital comeback win over a resurgent Valencia in September.

Only Camacho, Iker Casillas and Raul have reached 100 appearances for Madrid quicker than Vinicius, who is starting to show signs he could become just as important for Real in the coming years.

Returning manager Carlo Ancelotti planned to rehabilitate big money signings Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale back into the line up alongside Benzema this season, but his plans have been completely torn up with Vinicius easily out-performing the record signings.

Vinicius has said that Ancelotti 'is key for me' and the praise has been reciprocated by the Italian manager.

"I think Vinicius has a lot of quality in one-on-ones," Ancelotti said.

"I've told him that to score goals he has to take one or two touches, it's difficult to score with four or five touches.

"He's a very young player, he's going to improve."