"Only fools forget the 'R'," wrote Jude Bellingham in a post by Rodrygo Goes on his social media back in September. When defining this new attack of Real Madrid after the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, the media and fans had used the initials 'BMV': Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinicius, leaving out the former Santos player. On the continental Wednesday night, Rodrygo proved himself with a brace in the competition that has elevated his status in Chamartín.
The forward scored the first two goals for Madrid and secured a victory as comfortable as necessary to solidify their position for the playoffs and, why not, to still dream of making it into the top eight. The Whites finish the matchday in 16th place, just one point behind eighth-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Far in the standings, but close in points. Goal difference will be crucial, and that 5-1 win has boosted Madrid's chances before facing Brest.
With that brace, Rodrygo now has eleven goals across all competitions: six in La Liga, two in the Champions League, two in the Spanish Super Cup, and one in the Intercontinental Cup. Additionally, he has provided six assists, five in the domestic league and one in Europe. All in 27 matches and 1,726 minutes. In other words, he produces a goal or an assist almost every game, every 100 minutes.
These numbers surpass last season, which was supposed to be his breakout season, where he accumulated 3,707 minutes, 17 goals, and nine assists. A goal involvement every 142 minutes. These statistics have somewhat affected his popularity among fans, and he seemed to be one of the main casualties with Mbappé's arrival, but injuries in defense and midfield have given Ancelotti fewer options, who adores him.
The Brazilian celebrated by waving his hand in front of his face, a celebration reminiscent of WWE star John Cena. "It's for him, he's a childhood idol of mine, I've always liked him a lot. I had to create a celebration, many suggested that to me, and I ended up choosing John Cena," he explained in the mixed zone, where he made it clear that "there are no egos here." "First and foremost is Real Madrid. We are all aware of that, no one is more important than the club, we don't play around with this badge, and we respect it a lot," he explained.
Despite defensive doubts, Ancelotti has not hesitated to include him in the attack alongside Bellingham, Vinicius, and Mbappé, and although he needs to work harder defensively, for now, he compensates in attack. "Defensive work is key. It's just a matter of concentration and commitment," insisted Ancelotti, emphasizing the need to improve defensively. "Everyone has their role defensively. Mbappé's role is not the same as Rüdiger's, but each has their own. We need to improve," continued the coach.
Against Salzburg, the white team started with uncertainties, but soon their quartet took care of them. "Rodrygo's two goals and Vinicius's accelerated a comfortable victory." "We won't have trouble scoring goals," said Carletto. It was a night of celebration and relief as Madrid finally secured their spot in the playoffs, waiting to see if the results of the last matchday place them among the top eight. A much-needed calm after a challenging start to 2025 for Ancelotti's team.
Vinicius, after his goals, raised the index finger of his right hand and the fist of his left hand to commemorate his 100 goals with Real Madrid. The Brazilian, suspended in the league, played the full 90 minutes while the team's spine rested.
An hour after the match, Ancelotti, "angry" at the delay in attending the press conference, stated that he prefers City to be eliminated. "They are one of the favorites."