We’ve written in this space about Rodrygo’s goal drought, but if there’s one thing we learn from watching sports, it’s that streaks always end. After 32 games in all competitions without a goal, the Brazilian winger finally ended his misery by netting a spectacular strike in Real Madrid’s Champions League loss to Manchester City, taking the ample space afforded him by left-back Nico O’Reilly and finishing from a tight angle.
The Number 11 then made it clear where his sympathies lie when he ran over to Coach Xabi Alonso to celebrate. Well, he might, given that the manager kept faith in his player and handed him a start in this important match.
Nor was the goal the only highlight of his match, as Rodrygo was excellent throughout. His great through-ball in the first half laid the ball on a plate for Vinícius Júnior, only for his fellow Brazilian’s attempted chip to sail over Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal.
The same fate befell his header off Rodrygo’s cross, as it was Vini Jr.’s turn to have a frustrating game. Rodrygo also spread the ball wide for a Jude Bellingham scoring chance in the second half that also went over the bar.
Rodrygo made his thoughts on Xabi Alonso crystal clear
Showing support for the embattled Real Madrid manager is always a tough row to hoe. With the 18 coaching changes that the club have made since 2000, only Zinédine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti have managed to earn the trust of the Madridistas in recent years.
The fans and press have even turned on coaches who have won league titles (Fabio Capello), and the estimable likes of Manuel Pellegrini and Rafael Benítez have been chased out the door by baying crowds.
Alonso now finds himself on the same hot seat. The win over Barcelona in the clásico last October is now a distant memory.
The club can’t seem to stop dropping points on the road, and while a 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield isn’t cause for shame in itself, it’s been followed by away draws to Rayo Vallecano, 10-man Elche, and Girona, plus a 3-0 beatdown at Athletic Bilbao and a home loss to Celta de Vigo.
This has left them four points behind first-place Barcelona in the La Liga standings, while Villarreal are one point behind them in third place with a game in hand.
Some patience might be in order. While Alonso spent five years as a player at Real, he still could use a bit of time to acclimate himself to the unique pressures on Real Madrid’s manager. Coaxing overachievement out of Bayer Leverkusen is a different matter than adding to the already stuffed trophy closet at the Bernabéu.
He’s only been in the job for four months or so, and with all due respect to Real Betis, the upcoming schedule offers some chances to right themselves before their Supercopa clash with Atlético Madrid after the new year. Maybe that’s what Rodrygo had in his mind while celebrating with his coach.