Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star once destined for exit has turned into Xabi Alonso’s unlikely lifeline
There was a moment earlier in the 2025/26 season when Rodrygo looked dangerously close to the exit door at Real Madrid.
The situation appeared worrying, as the Brazilian was struggling for minutes, his role in the squad was unclear, and the lack of regular football threatened his place with the Brazil national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Fast forward a few months, and the picture could not be more different.
Alongside Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo has emerged as one of the key figures keeping Xabi Alonso afloat during a demanding stretch of the season.
The same coach who once appeared unconvinced by him is now benefiting directly from his resurgence.
Rodrygo’s resurgence
For a long time, Rodrygo’s role under Alonso was limited and predictable. He was viewed almost exclusively as a left-wing option, mainly used as cover for Vinicius.
The turning point arrived on Europe’s biggest stage. In a Champions League clash against Manchester City, Alonso made a decisive change.
Rodrygo was named in the starting lineup, not on the left, but on the right wing, a position where he had previously thrived under Carlo Ancelotti.
Although Real Madrid lost the match, the Brazilian finally looked alive. He scored a crucial goal that ended a long and painful goal drought and, more importantly, revealed a new dimension to his game.
That night, Alonso discovered a Rodrygo capable of much more than stretching the defence.
Back in form
Since the City match, Rodrygo’s upward curve has been steady and convincing.
With the exception of the Copa del Rey tie against Talavera, he has started key league games against Alaves and Sevilla. Both ended in victories.
In Vitoria, he scored the winning goal. Against Sevilla, he assisted Jude Bellingham for the opener and won the penalty that allowed Mbappe to seal the result.
Rodrygo has now firmly claimed the right-wing spot, a position Alonso once believed was not suited to him.
Ironically, the player who was almost pushed out has become vital, not just to the team, but to the manager’s survival.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
