Vinicius' affinity for the Copa del Rey

Missing the last LaLiga game was a sign. Vinicius will be one of the men of reference in this Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Real Zaragoza, according to 'AS'.

The Brazilian is eager to show he's been making progress. WIth a good match against Unionistas, he will no doubt want to show more of himself against tonight's rivals, who will have other priorities, as Real Zaragoza is focusing on earning promotion to the Spanish first division this season. 

His numbers are far from what he would like them to be, but that's only made his goalscoring hunger grow. And Real Zaragoza could suffer the consequences this Wednesday.

Bale had been expected to be available for the Copa del Rey clash, but with confirmation the Welshman is out of the call-up, this is the perfect chance for Vinicius to show what he's made off... And after the Zaragoza clash, comes the derby with Atletico. 

A good performance could help change Zidane's perception and give him minutes in the next match.  Without Hazard, and possibly without the Welshman, the odds are in his favour for a place in the starting line-up. 

But he'll have others with the same goal at his side as well. Rodrygo, Brahim, Lucas Vazquez or Isco. Although the latter has not entered the call-up for the Copa del Rey, who could be resting in order to make it to the derby fully rested. 

Last season the Copa was already Vinicius' favourite competition, which opened the way for him in the first team. Now, he has the chance to prove himself once again.