Real Madrid is showing renewed vigor under new coach Xabi Alonso, with Vinicius Junior in top form and Kylian Mbappé set to return.
This formidable pairing could be crucial for their Club World Cup ambitions, starting with Tuesday’s last-16 clash against Juventus.
Vinicius, who endured a dip last season, was instrumental in the 3-0 win over Salzburg, scoring and assisting a goal.
“I’m very happy because Vini, like any forward, needed that goal,” said Alonso. Vinicius also expressed his desire to remain at the club, calling it “the club of my life.”
Mbappé, recovering from gastroenteritis, has resumed training and could make his season debut against Juventus, potentially linking up with Vinicius for the first time under Alonso.
Despite past issues with their on-field chemistry, Alonso is confident they can thrive together: “They can do it, Vini from the outside, Kylian from the inside… things can work.”
Alonso is also instilling a new defensive discipline, expecting all players to contribute.
He praised Vinicius’s work rate against Salzburg, emphasizing his defensive “sacrifices.”
