El Clasico is usually a tight encounter, but Real Madrid asserted their dominance over Barcelona by defeating their opponents 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final in the early hours of May 15. first.
A first-half hat-trick from Vinicius Junior and a second-half strike from Rodrygo were enough to defeat a poor Barcelona side, who were reduced to 10 men due to Ronald Araujo’s 71st-minute red card.
The victory means that Carlo Ancelotti’s team have now won 7 matches in a row, and they are unbeaten in their last 21 matches in all competitions. In fact, their only defeat all season came against Atletico Madrid in September.
Karim Benzema’s summer departure was considered a disaster, but coach Ancelotti’s clever classification of players has ensured that Real are even better off without the Frenchman.
Jude Bellingham has been playing seamlessly and is arguably the best player in the world at the moment, while Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo have grown with their slightly adjusted positions.
While Vinicius and Rodrygo have mainly played as strikers apart this season, the Brazilian duo have been used effectively as wingers and their ability to operate out wide has allowed Bellingham to progress forward. ahead with incredibly high scoring efficiency.
However, although Bellingham has received most of the praise this season, this is Vinicius’ time to shine in El Clasico. The Brazil international has struggled against Barcelona in the past because Xavi always deployed Araujo at right-back to stop him. The Uruguayan player often wins duels with Vinicius, but was the clear loser in the recent match.
Vinicius opened the scoring in the 7th minute after passing Inaki Pena with utmost composure before shooting into an empty net. Then, he increased the score to 2-0 when he scored from just 6 meters away after Rodrygo’s perfect pass in the 10th minute.
A quick brace in the first 10 minutes created huge morale and Vinicius completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after being fouled by Araujo in the box.
With Vinicius on the left, Rodrygo on the right and Bellingham allowed to roam wherever he saw fit, Ancelotti had completed his tactical plan and Real Madrid were now considered favorites to win the Champions League. despite the lack of a pure 9.
Real Madrid doesn’t need Kylian Mbappe
Vinicius’ hat-trick against Barcelona was a reward for a player who has suffered a bit of injury this season. The Brazilian star has missed 11 matches due to injury in the 2023/24 season, and while Los Blancos have no trouble without Vinicius, it is clear that the player remains one of their valuable assets. of the Royal Spanish Club. Therefore, pursuing Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe is meaningless.
Vinicius performed very well on the left wing and he seemed to be getting into the penalty area a little more and more – exactly like what Cristiano Ronaldo did when he first moved to Real Madrid.
Vinicius’ playing style is somewhat similar to Mbappe’s and although the Frenchman is capable of playing in the traditional number 9 position, he has repeatedly stated that he does not want to play in this position.
Therefore, investing in Mbappe would be quite foolish because his appearance would directly affect Vinicius. Furthermore, it will also affect Bellingham and the Englishman’s freedom may be somewhat limited from an attacking perspective if the 2022 World Cup top scorer is added.
Ancelotti’s current system gets the best out of Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo (not to mention players like Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde) and Mbappe is a luxury Real Madrid probably won’t need.
Vinicius has nine goals and four assists in 17 games this season, and while those numbers are nowhere near what Mbappe achieved, the Brazil international fits perfectly into Los Blancos’ current attack according to a way that the French player cannot do.