The match against Getafe, on July 2 at Di Stéfano, meant a change for Vinicius. Not even 15 days have passed, but for the Brazilian it seemed like a year. His role in the team changed from leading actor to supporting actor, and then he was displaced from the scene. against Granada, where he played no minute. Zidane has so many options in that demarcation that he rewards the moments of form in each meeting.
All the lights pointed to Vinicius when he went through his sweet moment, especially in two games: Real Sociedad and Mallorca. Two key encounters in which the Brazilian was a starter and decisive. In San Sebastián he unleashed a tough, difficult encounter. He caused a penalty that transformed Ramos to open the scoring. That great performance made Zidane innovate against Mallorca with the aim of re-giving it ownership: pulled out an attack consisting of Bale, Hazard, Vinicius and Benzema. He moved Hazard to playmaker so that 'Vini' could continue on the left, where he feels most comfortable. He replied: he scored a goal.
After that duel he was a substitute against Espanyol, although within Zidane's rotation policy. He left 27 minutes and recovered his position against Getafe, on the day that everything began to change for him. Getafe's approach did not allow him to feel comfortable, he played a very discreet game and was replaced in the 63 'by Asensio. The Balearic, who came out with Rodrygo, shone and changed the sign of the game. Zidane rewarded them with the title against Athletic (16 ’for Vinicius) and against Alavés (20’ for ‘Vini’).
Against Granada, the French coach opted for a system that would further control the game, with five midfielders. He changed the plan in the second half, looking for more depth. But he did not choose Vinicius' speed, instead he bet again on Asensio and Rodrygo, a double change that condemned the ‘25’ white to watch the entire game from the bench of Nuevo Los Cármenes.
Vinicius is still important and Zidane will count on him, although today he has lost that train he had just got on just two weeks ago. He overbooking of extremes that Madrid has causes any mistake to be paid. Now Asensio and Rodrygo have won the race. ‘Vini’ has to grit his teeth to make up for the lost site…