A year ago, Vinicius Junior was eagerly preparing for the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony - an event that he believed could mark a turning point in his career, and so did most of the press.

Real Madrid at that time still dreamed that Vinicius would become the new face representing the club on a personal level. But the gala night turned into a bitter memory: Rodri was the one who won.

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Vinicius was on the bench for 2 of the 5 official matches this season. Photo: AS

Before the gala took place, information about Rodri's victory leaked, causing Real Madrid to choose a boycott - the whole team did not travel to Paris even though they had boarded the plane.

From that moment, Vinicius's form began to be unstable, his career curve began to sag.

This season, under Xabi Alonso, the picture is even more bleak. The Brazilian star was benched in two of the first five games – something that was once unthinkable for someone considered “untouchable” on the left wing.

Although he still managed to leave his mark with two goals, his playing style was no longer explosive. His dribbling became less frequent, his spontaneity was lost, and the joy that once marked his face every time he touched the ball faded.

Part of the reason is Alonso’s system: disciplined, tight and team-first. In that picture, Vinicius is no longer the center, but must adapt, sharing the role with other stars.

In particular, the appearance of Kylian Mbappe completely changed the order of power on the field and in the Bernabeu dressing room, since receiving the number 10 shirt.

The French striker started as if he was born to wear the white shirt: 6 goals, continuously deciding the match, becoming the number 1 support for both playing style and spirit.

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Vinicius lacks daring dribbles. Photo: EFE

Now, Real Madrid fans talk more about Mbappe 's devastating speed than Vinicius's familiar dance moves. Rodrygo even stands out more than him when playing as a left forward.

A year has passed, the Golden Ball gala will take place early next week (September 22), no one still mentions Vinicius as one of the potential candidates.

More than anyone else, the 25-year-old player must save himself. Espanyol is his chance, in the match of round 5 of La Liga where Vinicius is likely to be put back in the starting lineup by Xabi Alonso.

“I am happy to play like this. I am ready to compete,” Rodrygo said after leaving his mark in the 2-1 win over Marseille. Vinicius must learn that spirit from his compatriot.

Force:

Real Madrid: Rudiger, Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold injured; Huijsen suspended.

Espanyol: Pere Milla is suspended.

Expected lineup:

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe .

Espanyol (4-4-2): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Dolan, Lozano, Gonzalez de Zarate, Puado; K . Garcia, Fernandez .

Match odds: Real Madrid handicap 2

Goal ratio: 3 1/4

Prediction: Real Madrid win 3-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-real-madrid-vs-espanyol-vong-5-la-liga-2444437.html