Real Madrid beat Racing Santander at El Sardinero, and reports said Vinícius Júnior's return is creating a selection issue as the team improves without him. SI says Madrid were 3–0 up by halftime on Sunday and were on their way to a sixth consecutive victory against Racing Santander.
Attack numbers during the winning run
SI says three of Madrid’s front four scored against Racing Santander and Arda Güler provided an assist. SI says that in the last six wins since the international break, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande and Arda Güler have recorded 22 goal contributions, with 14 goals and eight assists, between them.
Benito on the team’s changes
GOAL says Álvaro Benito spoke alongside former teammate Rafael Alkorta on the "El Larguero" programme on "Cadena SER" radio. Benito said: "There is a sense of collective work we hadn't seen before. The players most capable of passing and solving complicated problems are now being involved, even without Valverde, who from the full-back position gives you short and long passing solutions and the ability to break the press. Bernabé has emerged to provide what the midfield lacked: the ability to stop, to turn, and to dribble intelligently to shake off the marking. Most important of all, the team has started to work hard."
He added: "Real Madrid have proven they are capable of winning the ball back and launching lethal counter-attacks. When they play with speed, win the ball back and maintain their cohesion, they become a team capable of doing anything. Now we will see what happens when Vinícius returns, and whether he will accept these new rules."
Competition after Vinícius returns
Benito said: "There are matches that have room for everyone, but the rule must be one: as long as everyone fulfils their defensive duties, we will then see who performs best going forward and creates the chances. The competition must be fair. It has been a very long time since I felt that things are finally heading in the right direction."
SI says Vinícius Júnior will soon be available for selection again. SI says that after the Valencia trip, Vinícius Júnior will be back in contention for La Liga matches.
Vinícius numbers
SI says Vinícius Júnior has scored once all season. SI says Vinícius Júnior did not attempt a single dribble in his last two matches against RB Leipzig and Roma, and says the win over Roma was his first in 310 starts for Real Madrid in which he finished without attempting a single shot.
SI says Vinícius Júnior has just signed a massive new deal.
