Real Madrid secured a dominant 4-1 win over Las Palmas on Matchday 20 of La Liga, despite being without Vinicius Junior. Kylian Mbappé played a key role in the victory, showcasing his incredible form under Carlo Ancelotti. Following the match, a debate emerged over the challenge of fitting both Mbappé and Vinicius together in the same lineup, as they continue to struggle to complement each other on the pitch.
Real Madrid’s issue can be seen as a “rich man’s problem.” With two of the world’s top forwards, the club has yet to figure out how to make both players thrive simultaneously. Since Mbappé’s arrival last July, both he and Vinicius have been productive, but the Frenchman has recently surged in form, leaving the Brazilian winger to play a more subdued role. In the absence of Vinicius against Las Palmas, Mbappé demonstrated that he could easily cover the void, highlighting the growing gap between the two stars.
The core issue is their lack of chemistry. Both players prefer to operate on the left wing, which often leads to competition rather than cooperation. When one shines, the other tends to fade. Mbappé, initially criticized for underperforming, has now emerged as a standout player, while Vinicius, who had met expectations early in his Real Madrid career, has struggled to find consistency. Recent incidents, including suspensions and a dip in form, have exacerbated this issue. Meanwhile, Mbappé continues to dominate, delivering spectacular performances for the team.
The relationship between the two stars is further strained by their similar playing styles. Both tend to prioritize individual glory—whether through dribbling or shooting—at the expense of the team’s collective goals. This rivalry is not conducive to Real Madrid’s success, as it disrupts their overall cohesion. When Mbappé is unavailable, players like Rodrygo perform well alongside Vinicius, suggesting that the team flourishes more when there is less overlap between its forwards.
Given this situation, it seems that the club may need to consider parting ways with one of the two forwards. With both players vying for the spotlight, the team’s balance is at risk.
Florentino Pérez, who has a stronger affinity for Mbappé due to his alignment with the club’s values, may not hesitate to let Vinicius go if a lucrative offer arrives, particularly from clubs in Saudi Arabia. This move would solidify Mbappé as the team’s primary star, supported by other key players.
This drastic decision could help restore stability within the squad, ensuring that the team is not hampered by a clash of egos. While many may be opposed to such a move, it could ultimately be the most pragmatic solution for maintaining balance and ensuring that Real Madrid remains competitive on the global stage.
