Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham inspired Real Madrid to victory over Barcelona – but not all of their teammates were celebrating.
Both got on the scoresheet to secure a 2-1 win in El Clásico, while Xabi Alonso secured victory in that famous game.
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Bellingham became the youngest player to score and assist in a game against Barcelona in the 21st century (22 years and 119 days).
The England international thus surpassed Vinicius Junior’s previous record (22 years and 267 days) from April 2023.
Ironically, this reflects the current situation surrounding the Brazilian, amid his ongoing frustration with life in Madrid.
Vinicius’ status as Los Blancos’ undisputed starter is under threat this season while contract negotiations have stalled.
The 25-year-old, whose current contract runs until June 2027, was substituted for Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille.
He was also not used for La Liga games against Getafe and Oviedo and reacted angrily to being substituted against Barcelona.
A sign of his downturn was that he was named the second biggest loser in the transfer market after suffering a £26m drop in value.
During an exclusive interview with The Pitch Prospect.com last month, European football broadcaster Andy Brassell expressed his doubts about the attacker’s suitability for Alonso’s system.
“I think the biggest question mark really concerns the future of Vinicius Junior, who is now in his last two years on his contract,” he said.
“He and the club are so far apart in numbers that they’re not talking about it at the moment. They’re not talking in numbers [his] Contract at the moment.”
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The contract negotiations between Vini Jr. and Real Madrid fail
At the end of April, Vinicius was believed to be close to reaching an agreement with the Spanish giants to work out new terms.
However, contract negotiations stalled over the summer and Saudi dealmakers were linked with a world record £302million bid for his services in July.
Last month, The Pitch Prospect football journalist Ben Jacobs reiterated that the Saudi sports ministry was ready to offer Vinicius Jr a world record salary if he leaves Madrid.
Brassell has since raised the question of whether Mbappé and Bellingham actually benefit from Los Blancos cashing in on their former talisman.
“Look, at Real Madrid it is different to other clubs because they are capable of being the biggest name in world football,” he added to The Pitch Prospect.com.
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The sale of Vini Jr will benefit Mbappe and Bellingham
“They know they are the biggest name in world football and they can allow other players’ contracts to expire because they will never be stopped by another club.
“I mean, they can always turn to a player and say, ‘Okay, if you think you can be better than Real Madrid, then go ahead.’ And that’s okay.
“We have seen players like Xabi Alonso himself, Mesut Özil and Angel Di Maria have their contracts reduced to a level that would be dangerously low for any other club.
“But they have a greater tolerance for risk-taking maneuvers because of their name and their status in world football.
“So I’m not writing off Vini Junior’s relationship with Real Madrid yet. But I think there has to be a question.
“If they don’t sell Rodrigo, and that’s still an if by the way, do they have to sell Vini Junior? And actually, does it benefit Mbappe and Bellingham? I think there’s an argument for that.”
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Alonso comments on Vinicius Junior’s strop
Vini Jr. was substituted in the 72nd minute and immediately lost his head when he saw his No. 7 on the fourth official’s board.
He left the pitch sulking, but was blocked by coach Alonso, marched through the tunnel and disappeared.
However, when the final whistle sounded, there appeared to be a clash between him and Lamine Yamal in spectacular post-match scenes.
Alonso said: “Vini’s character? There are different personalities in every dressing room.”
“For now we will enjoy the victory, then we will definitely talk.”