Vinicius (20 years) has traveled on a merry-go-round since arriving at Real Madrid in 2018, alternating ups and downs in which until now a constant had always been maintained: the support of Karim Benzema (32). The French with the Brazilian has been a manual football sponsorship, with continuous advice and attempts to associate in training and games. All this, in addition, supported by a great personal relationship despite the age difference. The event at Borussia Park has generated a great controversy that those involved, however, are sure that it will fade sooner rather than later. For that to happen it will help to a greater extent whatever happens on the lawn, where Benzema, a good mixer, usually looks for Vinicius.
In fact, the ex of the Lyon finds more the Carioca than the other way around. Much has been said in recent hours about a striking circumstance during the second half of the Monchengladbach 2-2 Real Madrid on Tuesday: Karim, after having told his compatriot Mendy that of “he does what he wants. Don't play with him, brother. Play against us “, referring to Vini, did not connect with him on any occasion until his replacement, in 70 '. It did not go unnoticed because Telefoot hunted those statements from the Cat at halftime and because later with Hazard, Vinicius' relay, he combined twice. But nevertheless, the dynamics between the French and the Brazilian, as observed in the following table, suggests that it was a conjunctural situation.
THE BENZEMA-VINICIUS CONNECTION
| 2018-19 (28 games) | 2019-20 (36 games) | 2020-21 (7 games) | Total (71) | |
| Passes from Benzema to Vinicius | 86 | 69 | 22 | 177 |
| Passes from Vinicius to Benzema | 62 | 65 | 18 | 145 |
The data indicate that in two seasons and the first month of this third together, Benzema has given 177 passes to Vinicius and Vinicius 145 to Benzema. The duo have coincided at this time in 71 matches between all competitions, in which Vini has assisted Karim on three occasions, who on the other hand has not been able to do the same for the moment.
Margin numbers, Benzema remains at the top of the list of references of Vinicius, that he hopes to receive his usual advice from now on, something that is already customary and known by everyone inside and outside the dressing room. The '9' wanted to explain himself to the '20' in training on Thursday and Zidane celebrated this Friday at a press conference: “The most important thing is that it is clear, that the players have spoken among themselves. Nothing happens. This has always happened in the field. “Against Huesca (Saturday, 2:00 pm, Movistar LaLiga) they will be looked at with a magnifying glass.