As with Vinicius, Rodrygo's season has been marked by very pronounced ups and downs. They even seemed like communicating vessels, but now it may be time for them to both make their mark.
Zinedine Zidane has decided to get Rodrygo back from Real Madrid Castilla, the club's B team, and call him up for the match from Sunday against Real Betis. Raúl already gave some clues by leaving him out of his list and the French coach confirmed the news about his return.
Rodrygo is back in Zidane's plans one month after his last call-up, on February 6th in the Cup qualifying match against Real Sociedad. He was out for the next three matches and the club opted to keep him in playing for the B team.
The Osaco native has just spent two weeks on the second team. He started against San Sebastián de los Reyes in Reinier's opening match, scored and was expelled, so he missed the last day due to a sanction and was not eligible for the 'Clásico' either.
The absence of Rodrygo in the Bernabéu also coincided with the brief recovery of Eden Hazard, but the Belgian's new injury means didn't give him a spot in the squad.
Certainly, beyond Vinicius, Madrid has lacked a lot of bite. The Brazilian was the best in both matches, of the few who gave some spice to the team's attack while Gareth Bale's spell on the sidelines continues.
Zidane's 'Rodrycius' with Karim Benzema was a success for some of the season, and the circumstances are ripe for a repeat. Before Betis, Rodrygo could be given another chance to shine and prove his worth for a team that badly needs a goalscorer.