After defeating Brest on Wednesday to secure their Champions League playoff spot, La Liga leaders Real Madrid’s latest goal is to capitalize on the chemistry between French attacker Kylian Mbappé and Brazilian star Vinícius Junior.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to improve the on-field communication between these two superstars as they get ready to play Espanyol this Saturday, their last game before facing second-place Atletico de Madrid, who are four points behind.
The “merengues” advanced to the playoffs following a difficult Champions League debut, finishing their league phase with a decisive 3-0 victory over Brest at the Stade du Roudourou in France.
During Vinícius’ suspension, fellow countryman Rodrygo was outstanding on the left side, scoring twice to keep up his strong play.
Mbappé’s comeback to form comes as Vinícius has experienced his own difficulties, first from injury and then from being suspended in La Liga after being sent off for a red card against Valencia.
Vinícius wants to build a relationship with Mbappé against Espanyol in order to help Real Madrid advance to a higher level of play.
Ancelotti said, “I like what I see on the field, and I have total confidence in this team because we’re more solid.”
In his last four games in all competitions, Mbappé has scored six goals, yet Vinícius has only started one of those games.
Vinícius said, “Kylian is here to help us, and we’ll aid him in finishing as the top scorer in all competitions.” Mbappé seemed to prefer playing on the left wing, where Vinícius operates, but Ancelotti’s strategy of using the Frenchman centrally has worked well. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will try to stay up with Real Madrid by defeating Mallorca at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday at 14:30 (Brasília time).
After a thrilling 4-1 victory over Salzburg in Austria, which was capped off by a brace from Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, Diego Simeone’s team arrives in high spirits.