Vinicius Jr backs Rodrygo and Gonzalo as Mbappé absence looms for Real Madrid tonight

Vinicius Jr has set a clear tone before tonight’s match, calling Kylian Mbappé “very important” while urging trust in Rodrygo and academy forward Gonzalo, who are expected to carry the attack. The message is simple and sharp - Madrid must adapt without their star scorer and lean on depth. It tracks with recent lineups where Rodrygo has thrived in central and right-sided roles, and Gonzalo has earned first team minutes after standout youth performances. The focus now is intensity and execution at the Bernabéu. Expect a high-press opening, quick counters to the left, and a buy-in from the whole front line.

Hours before kick-off at the Bernabéu, Vinicius Jr addressed reporters in the mixed zone, praising Kylian Mbappé’s impact this season and stressing confidence in teammates set to start in his stead. The remarks come as Real Madrid prepare for a high-stakes home fixture with final selections leaning toward Rodrygo and academy forward Gonzalo filling attacking roles. Club staff have indicated Mbappé is expected back soon, but the immediate plan centers on internal solutions and continuity within Carlo Ancelotti’s structure.

🚨 Vinicius Jr: “We know that Kylian is a very important player for us and that he has scored many goals this season. We hope he will help us soon, and today we have to trust in Gonzalo and Rodrygo, who will play and give their all.”

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

Vinicius Jr’s remark is more than a platitude - it is a cue to how Real Madrid will reshape their attacking geometry if Mbappé sits out. Without the Frenchman’s gravity pinning back lines, Madrid’s spacing alters. Rodrygo typically drifts between the right half-space and central pockets, where his first touch and blindside runs stretch a back four. Expect him to toggle with Vinicius in transition, with Vini driving diagonally from the left and Rodrygo arriving late into the box. Gonzalo - a versatile academy forward comfortable across the front line - offers a cleaner reference point between the posts and can challenge the near post on low crosses.

In possession, Brahim and Valverde become pivotal for second balls and wall passes, while Kroos or Bellingham can feed those split runs. Madrid’s pressing triggers also change. Without Mbappé’s high tilt, Rodrygo often initiates the first press, shepherding play to the touchline for Valverde to jump. Gonzalo’s work rate off the ball matters most in the first 20 minutes when Madrid will try to suffocate build-up.

Set pieces are another lever. With less aerial dominance up front, short routines to open a cutback for Bellingham or a far-post isolation for Vinicius become higher value. Net impact: Madrid lose Mbappé’s ruthless efficiency, but maintain fluidity and unpredictability through rotations, especially if Gonzalo’s timing in the area matches his Castilla form.

Reaction

Fan chatter split into a few lanes. One camp insists Mbappé is the most crucial piece and worries the side looks underdog at home without him. They read Vinicius’s line as an honest admission that goals have flowed from Kylian all season. Another group embraces the rallying cry - they want to see Rodrygo thrive centrally and Gonzalo grab his chance, yelling the usual Vamos and backing the shirt no matter what.

There’s confusion too. A stray comment dragged Xabi into the conversation and asked about Endrick’s usage, which doesn’t fit the current context at Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti. Others teased that Vinicius might be revealing too much about the game plan, half-joking that opponents could read into who starts up front. A few skeptical voices challenged Vini to “prove them wrong,” demanding end product rather than talk.

Overall mood: edgy optimism. Supporters know the Bernabéu can flip a script quickly if an early wave lands. They also recognize that without Mbappé, margins tighten. The trust in Rodrygo is high, and fans are curious about Gonzalo’s temperament in a pressure cooker. The comments suggest the crowd is ready to roar, but they want clarity and a fast start.

Social reactions

Don‘t talk good about ****** idolo

ViniStorms (@Vini_Storms)

Omo, we are the underdog at home

D☆V33D (@Mr_David_02)

Get In There Hala Madrid!! Vamos

Mastermind (@dami_mastermind)

Prediction

Two main scenarios loom. If Madrid strike early, the plan will look seamless - Rodrygo will peel off the shoulder, Vinicius will punish space on the switch, and Gonzalo will occupy the center backs enough to free Bellingham and Valverde for late arrivals. In that case, Ancelotti can stagger minutes and introduce Endrick or Brahim to tear at tired legs, keeping control while managing workloads ahead of the next run of fixtures.

If the first half stalls, expect an adjustment at the hour mark. Ancelotti could invert the right side, push Valverde higher and bring on Endrick as a direct runner to attack the channel between full back and center back. Brahim offers the dribble link to break a low block. A late Arda Güler cameo is a wildcard for a set piece or a disguised through ball, while Mendy or Fran Garcia overlapping can crank up crossing volume if Gonzalo remains the focal point.

As for Mbappé, “help us soon” hints at a near return rather than a prolonged absence. The medical staff will prioritize full intensity sprints and deceleration tests before green-lighting him. Expect cautious management - Madrid have enough depth to avoid rushing their elite finisher. Short term, the structure holds. Long term, the attack levels back up once Kylian reenters the front three.

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Conclusion

Vinicius Jr’s message lands exactly as intended - respect what Mbappé brings, but trust the squad to win now. Madrid have been here before. They survived injuries last season by leaning into flexible roles and a brutal work rate without the ball. Rodrygo’s adaptability is a safety net, and Gonzalo’s rise gives the bench a new kind of threat. That combination can carry a pivotal night at the Bernabéu.

There is no panic inside the dressing room. Selection clarity helps, and the run patterns they’ve drilled all week translate to a cleaner first phase out of midfield. If Madrid control transitions and avoid cheap giveaways, they won’t need a perfect performance - just a ruthless 15 minute stretch. When Mbappé returns, he will bolt the ceiling back on. Until then, this is about craft and conviction. The tone is set, and the supporters know the assignment.