greg . 2025-06-30 07:00:03

Vinicius Junior returns to form as Kylian Mbappe nears comeback after illness

One of the factors after Real Madrid finishing the campaign lacking a major title was key attacker Vinicius Junior's drastic dip in form.

From competing for the Ballon d'Or as Los Blancos won the Champions League and La Liga in the 2023-24 campaign, the Brazilian played well inside himself as Madrid ended Carlo Ancelotti's reign second best to Catalan rivals Barcelona.

New coach Xabi Alonso was delighted to see the Brazilian winger shine brightly as Real Madrid set up Tuesday's Club World Cup last-16 duel versus Juventus.

If the 24-year-old is at his devastating best, along with Kylian Mbappe's impending return following a stomach bug, Madrid have the firepower they need to victory the competition.

Vinicius struck and created a strike for Fede Valverde with a backheel assist in the 3-0 victory over Salzburg which helped Madrid seal top spot in Group H and avoid Manchester City, who have been the strongest side thus far in the United States.

"I'm very happy since Vini, like any forward, needed that strike," said Alonso.

Vinicius is in a agreement tussle with Real Madrid over a new contract, with the Brazilian currently on the books until 2027.

"I hope I can stay here for multiple years.

I've always said it's the club of my life," said Vinicius earlier this week.

"I'm very happy with the coach and every the staff, and I hope I can stay here.

"Vini Jr.

on Real Madrid being his dream clubPhoto by AYMAN AREF / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP / StatsPerformMadrid need the forward to click with last summer's marquee signing Mbappe, lacking sacrificing the squad's defensive stability.

Los Blancos face Juventus in Orlando hoping to advance to the quarter-finals and may be boosted by the return of sensation forward Mbappe, who could link up with Vinicius for the first time under Alonso.

Mbappe missed every three group matches and also had to go to hospital after suffering acute gastroenteritis, but has been preparation normally for many days.

The Spanish coach believes the duo can play united, even though they had teething problems after the French forward arrived, occupying similar spaces.

Mbappe eventually found top form and finished the campaign with 43 goals across every competitions, while Vinicius netted 22 times lacking getting close to his very best level.

"They can do it, Vini from the outside, Kylian from the inside.

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it's never mutually insider, things can work, there's individual quality, but we need the squad to function," explained Alonso.

'Sacrifices'Alonso has explained that no athlete in the Real Madrid starting line-up is free of defensive duties.

Last campaign Ancelotti lined up regularly with Vinicius, Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes in the side and Madrid paid the price at the back.

"What I am certain of is that we need and want everyone to shield - the 11 stars on the pitch have to be involved defensively," said Alonso before the Salzburg fixture.

The coach was impressed with Vinicius' work ethic versus the Austrians.

"Aside from the goals, I was also really happy with the work he put in," added Alonso.

"He helped to shield, he made sacrifices, he stayed linked with the squad, didn't switch off, and that's very important to me.

"Alonso will hope Vinicius continues in that vein as Mbappe prepares to make his return, possibly from the bench versus Juventus.

Even though the Alonso era is sole beginning, the Juve duel and potential quarter-final tie versus Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey will be an early trial for how the coach can handle utilising pair star names united.

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