Gonzalo García has stepped into the limelight after scoring a stunning hat-trick against Real Betis last weekend, positioning himself as an ideal substitute for the injured Kylian Mbappé. As Real Madrid prepares to face Atlético de Madrid in the Supercopa de España, three and a half months after suffering a defeat in LaLiga, García could potentially push Vinícius Jr. to the bench upon Mbappé’s return.
Xabi Alonso, the head coach, has always viewed Mbappé as essential to the squad. Even during struggles last season, like missing a penalty against Athletic, Alonso consistently opted to start the French star. This commitment was evident when Alonso played Mbappé in attempts to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring records, which he eventually tied a few days later against Sevilla, underscoring the notable pressure Real Madrid faced in their matches.
However, with Mbappé’s injury making his participation in the Supercopa unlikely, García is set to take the central striker role. Notably, he showcased his talent this summer as one of the top scorers in the Club World Cup, netting four goals. His exceptional performance against Betis included a powerful header, a chest control leading to a first-time shot, and a skillful backheel, a feat not achieved by a Real Madrid academy graduate since Raúl González Blanco.
The emergence of García is crucial, especially as Vinícius has struggled to find form since narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian appears increasingly frustrated sharing the spotlight with Mbappé and may feel the pressure as García’s performance shines. If García establishes himself as a capable striker, this could allow Mbappé to return to his preferred left flank, giving the team a much-needed boost while forcing Vinícius to step up his game.
Thursday’s match against Atlético will be a true test for García, who, despite his youth, possesses a willingness to contribute defensively—something that has been lacking in Vinícius’s recent performances. With all eyes on García and a favorable reception from the fans, matched with his rise through the club’s ranks, Vinícius must quickly regain his form or risk losing his footing in the team’s plans. The unfolding competition among these talents could ultimately lead to improved performances and exciting opportunities for Real Madrid as they navigate this challenging period.