The recent Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona made it clear that, despite not having played, Vinicius is at the center of the conversation. The absence of the Brazilian forward, who signed a renewal until 2032, has made the white team wonder if his performance continues to live up to expectations. Coach José Mourinho, who has opted for Yan Diomande in his place, has shown that Real Madrid can maintain its level without the speed and excesses of Vinicius.
The context of the season has put Vinicius under greater scrutiny. Since his arrival at the club, the player has been the protagonist both for his goals and for his controversies. However, in recent games their form has been irregular, and the performance of Diomande, who has won the starting job in a few weeks, has been decisive. The difference in quality between both players has become evident, which has opened a debate within the white team about Vinicius' continuity in the starting eleven.
Despite the controversy, the striker remains suspended for two La Liga games, which adds pressure to his situation. Fans and the press are already questioning whether the club should continue investing in him. The 2032 renewal, which was held in the summer, now seems less certain, and uncertainty over Vinicius' future intensifies.
The next challenge for the player will be the Champions League match in Athens against AEK, scheduled for November 4. In that match, the League sanction will not be valid, which will give him the opportunity to demonstrate his value to Mourinho. The coach, who has found his style of play with the team, will have to decide whether to give the Brazilian the starting job or if he continues to trust Diomande, who has shown an outstanding performance as the club's most expensive signing.
If Vinicius fails to impress in Greece, his participation will be restricted again. He will not be able to play until the match against Celta, scheduled for November 21 at the Bernabéu, after the team visits the Mestalla stadium on matchday 12. In addition, the player will have to wait until the last national team break of the season to return to the field. Meanwhile, Vinicius is focused on overcoming the crisis that has marked his start to the season, with nine games without scoring in either La Liga or the Champions League, figures that do not reflect the leadership role expected of him.