Rodrygo’s Late Scare: Madrid Breathes a Sigh of Relief

Rodrygo sent shockwaves through the Real Madrid camp during the tense final moments against Alavés, collapsing on the pitch in the 83rd minute. With the team clinging to a narrow 2-1 lead, the Brazilian winger appeared visibly exhausted, prompting immediate concern among fans and teammates alike. His sudden drop raised alarms of yet another potential muscle injury in a season already plagued by fitness issues. Replaced swiftly by Brahim Díaz, the atmosphere on the bench was thick with anxiety as they feared losing another key player.

However, the post-match news brought a wave of relief. Initial medical assessments revealed that Rodrygo had not sustained any serious injury but was simply suffering from severe muscle fatigue. This exhaustion can be attributed to his recent workload; after enduring a lengthy spell of sporadic starts, Rodrygo had just completed two grueling matches in quick succession. He played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City midweek before facing the physical challenge posed by Alavés just days later. Fortunately, it appears that his body has not suffered any lasting damage.

Positive Developments for Rodrygo

The Brazilian’s recovery means he will be available for upcoming fixtures, including the Copa del Rey clash against Talavera and a crucial league match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday. This comes as good news for coach Xabi Alonso, who has seen Rodrygo regain his form at a pivotal moment in the season.

Rodrygo’s recent performances have been pivotal, highlighted by his two critical goals in consecutive matches. The first was a morale-boosting strike against Manchester City, followed by a decisive goal that secured three vital points against Alavés. These contributions are significant in Real Madrid’s pursuit of La Liga glory as they aim to narrow the gap with FC Barcelona.

A Renewed Confidence

This resurgence marks an important turning point for Rodrygo, who had been struggling with consistency since March. His prior lack of regularity took a toll on his confidence, but it seems that Alonso’s trust in him has sparked a revival. Although he is often positioned on the right flank—a role less favored compared to his left-side preference due to Vinícius Júnior’s presence—Rodrygo has demonstrated increased activity and technical precision.

The coaching staff views this transformation as a major victory; they have regained a player capable of seamlessly integrating into the attacking trio alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius. This revival comes at an opportune time not only for Real Madrid but also for Rodrygo himself, who has set his sights on long-term ambitions, including participation in the 2026 World Cup.

With Rodrygo back in form and fit for selection, can he continue to deliver crucial performances as Madrid pushes for silverware? The upcoming matches will certainly test his resolve and stamina.