Real Madrid lost against Barcelona in a match they were really close to winning. It was almost heart-wrenching, what happened. Real Madrid came back with a fighting spirit, and were so close to winning the game, but lost it all in extra time.
It was a tough watch, but it was much better than what we have seen from this team all season. Every time Real Madrid play a big team, it is a more uphill challenge than the one they seemed to face against Barcelona on Saturday.
But that was not always the case. In fact, it all changed in the second half.
Real Madrid started the game with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo as their two forwards, and the more time went on, the more it seemed like nothing was working in the attack. Real Madrid were lacking a lot of everything in the attack, and even though Vinicius Jr was still active, Rodrygo did not do much at all.
It is time to have a difficult conversation about Rodrygo's form at Real Madrid
If you look back on the game after the extra time and the whole Antonio Rudiger fiasco that has shook up the world for now, then it is actually tough to remember that Rodrygo actually played the game.
He provided with next to nothing in terms of attacking opportunities. He kept getting pocketed by Barcelona academy product Gerard Martin, and he did not do much defensively either.
The moment Real Madrid subbed him off for a Kylian Mbappe who was not at 100%, everything changed. Real Madrid looked better. They played better. Their attack was more in sync than it has been all season, and it all came with a change in partnership.
I have always believed the notion that Real Madrid, at least this season, with this coach, should go with a 4-4-2 in every big game. That is their most balanced formation. Now, if they want offensive firepower, they would have to go with Vinicius Jr and Mbappe. If that means sacrificing Rodrygo, so be it.
Rodrygo just has not looked like a player who should be in their gala XI based on this season's form
Let me put it this way: Would Rodrygo provide more defensive coverage as a forward than an extra midfielder? No. Would he provide more offensive production than either Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Jr? No. The answer is there, Real Madrid fans just don't want to accept it.
This is a brilliantly talented player. He is gifted, he has all the tools needed to succeed. He has already succeeded. But Rodrygo is also very streaky, and at times, unreliable. Real Madrid cannot keep putting him in the lineup just because he keeps the clock ticking on the other side of the ball. There are already enough players who would provide more in that regard if there is another midfielder. Starting a player who has scored just one goal in his last 24 games is something that is not right at Real Madrid.
I am not saying Real Madrid should sell him. I am not saying Real Madrid should keep him. I am just saying that Real Madrid look their best in a 4-4-2, and if there are only two forwards in the lineup, then Rodrygo won't be one of them. Not in the big games. What he has provided in the last few months is just not enough.
It is clear that he prefers to play on the left. But there's a pecking order at Real Madrid, and if he is not the one who can make it, then he'd have to provide the same amount of production on the other end, which he is not able to do. It is tough, but playing for a club like Real Madrid means you get held to a higher standard, and right now, that is not happening. Real Madrid are protecting Rodrygo. As good as he is, he needs to improve.