Spanish media's endless hype: Rodrigo performs excellently and regains Alonso's trust, competing with Vinícius for a starting spot

Spanish media are notorious for exaggerating, frequently making grandiose reports! In the second round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced the promoted team Oviedo away, winning 3-0 with Mbappé scoring twice and Vinícius contributing a goal and assist as a substitute. Since Oviedo is one of the weakest teams this season with a starting lineup valued at only €18.35 million, even their 35-year-old former Chinese Super League striker Long Dong was the starting center forward, highlighting how weak Oviedo is. Facing such a weak opponent, Alonso rotated the squad and gave Rodrigo, who did not play in the first round, a start as the main left winger. Rodrigo played 63 minutes before being replaced by Vinícius. Rodrigo ended the match without goals or assists, while Vinícius made a goal and assist off the bench.

After the match, Spanish media outlet AS published an article praising Rodrigo's performance highly, suggesting that he has regained Alonso's confidence and will compete with Vinícius for the starting left winger position at Real Madrid this season.

In my opinion, Alonso’s rotation against Oviedo and Rodrigo’s return to the starting lineup were normal tactical decisions, also serving as a way for Real Madrid to promote Rodrigo. Fans had speculated that Rodrigo would be quickly sidelined, but so far no club has made an offer for him this summer. Rodrigo failed to break his goal drought of over five months even against La Liga’s weakest team Oviedo, so how can it be said that he regained Alonso’s trust? The contrast is clear: Vinícius, who came off the bench in the same position, contributed both a goal and an assist in this match. Without comparison, there is no pain. If he controls his temper, Vinícius is a lethal weapon on Real Madrid’s left flank, far surpassing Rodrigo.

In this match, Vinícius was hit by a water bottle while losing his temper, but big brother Mbappé quickly rushed over and covered Vinícius’s mouth. Vinícius is among the top two left wingers globally; what he needs to do is manage his temper. In terms of pure skill, Vinícius is far superior to Rodrigo.