Author: Soorya G
The Brazilian scored a goal in each half to lead his team to a deserved victory over Sevilla. In that match, Vinicius was not included in the Real Madrid line-up. Carlo Ancelotti attributed it to the player’s knee injury. While many fans attribute the striker’s absence to a recent incident at a match in Valencia.
Real Madrid also missed out on Ballon d’Or winner and talismanic striker Karim Benzema, as well as Spanish striker Marco Asensio, who, if the rumors are true, is on the verge of leaving the club. The former Mallorca player is linked to a number of clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. However, the absence of the two meant that Ancelotti fielded a midfield of five players, with Rodrygo the only striker. The Brazilian didn’t shy away from the challenge and shone by scoring two vital goals.
Sevilla coach José Mendilibar benched some of his key players, including Moroccan center forward Youssef En-Nesyri, in preparation for the Europa League final against José Mourinho’s AS Roma. In Budapest, Sevilla will be looking to win a record seventh Europa League title.
Moments after the whistle blew, Bryan Gil’s first shot took a deflection off a Real Madrid defender and fell straight into the path of Rafa Mir, who made no mistake to put his side ahead in the third minute. Rodrygo, however, equalized just before the break with a clever free kick that evaded the defensive barrier, leaving Yassine Bono in the lurch. Former Spurs player Erik Lamela almost put his side ahead in the 36th minute when his speculative shot hit the post.
The wonderful ball from German midfielder Toni Kroos to Rodrygo in the 69th minute was when the Brazilian took the decisive lead for his team, almost sealing second place for Real Madrid ahead of rivals Atlético Madrid.