Vinicius started against Espanyol after not playing for Real Madrid in 28 days; the longest period he has remained out of the squad because of the manager's decision. In the win against Espanyol, the Brazilian was incisive again and showed his best version from February.
From ostracism to the starting XI to ostracism again. This has been the story of Vinicius in a year of lots of doubts about him, but against Espanyol, the winger returned and could finally smile.
It has been 28 days since he last played for Real Madrid: 9 November away to Eibar. It has almost been a month, the longest time he has hasn't played due to the manager's decision since he made his debut.
Vinicius hasn't played in 8 of the 20 games Madrid have played this season, but the problems started in October and accentuated in November when he started to get left on the bench or even left out the squad. That month he only played twice, was left out the squad in 3 and didn't get on in the other, against Alavés.
To see such a prolonged absence from Vinicius you'd have to go back to last season when he was still making his name in the first team. After making his debut at the Wanda Metropolitano against Atlético and playing against Alavés, the Brazilian returned to Castilla and was left on the bench in the Clásico'. He returned against Eibar on 24th November, also 28 days later.
Rodrygo's appearance led to the gradual disappearance of Vinicius from the Zinedine Zidane's plans, but against Espanyol came the opportunity. Without Hazard, without Bale and without Lucas Vázquez, he reappeared next to Rodrygo, both playing beside Karim Benzema who has become the leader of the new Madrid attack.
Vinicius played 85 minutes and showed that he was more comfortable, more paused and vertical like always. With his inherent problems in front of goal, but back to the colorfulness, he showed in his best moments in a Real Madrid shirt. Militao came on for him and he went off to a standing ovation at the Bernabéu.
Zidane has Bale back for the Brugge match, but 'Marca' assures that Vinicius will start again in Belgium, where he will have another chance to revindicate himself, again alongside Benzema, and it remains to be seen whether they will be with Rodrygo or Bale.