This international break gives Real Madrid plenty of time to reflect, after two alarming results: a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League and a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
For the first time since May 2023, the Royal team was helpless in scoring in 2 consecutive matches, which became even more unbelievable when looking at the star players in attack such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and other talents.
In that context, Mbappe was still the biggest bright spot. With 18 goals in 16 matches, the French star has scored 53% of Real Madrid's total goals this season. This is an outstanding rate compared to the same period last season, when Vinicius Jr only contributed more than 28% of the total number of goals of the team, while Mbappe at that time only reached 25%.
Although Xabi Alonso's system has created a higher expected goals (xG) than last season, the shot conversion rate has decreased, showing that Real are more dependent on Mbappe than ever.
Vinicius has only scored 5 goals since the beginning of the season and has not scored or assisted in 6 matches. Since his double against Villarreal on October 4, Vinicius Jr has clearly declined and the conflict with Xabi Alonso has become a hot topic within Los Blancos.
Vinicius' disappointment was mentioned in the El Clasico in October, when he was angry when he was substituted. Although he later apologized to fans and the team, it is noteworthy that Vinicius did not mention Alonso in that apology.
Vinicius' contract is still valid until 2027, but the extension process has been suspended. His efficiency, both goals and xG per 90 minutes, is lower than last season. These controversies make it even more difficult for Real to find stability in attack.
After an explosive debut season with 23 goals, Bellingham is going through a difficult period. A shoulder injury forced him into surgery and he was out for more than 2 months. Therefore, the English midfielder still needs time to regain his form.
Despite only scoring 3 goals this season, Bellingham has higher xG statistics and goals per 90 minutes than last season. In fact, Bellingham still encountered certain difficulties after returning.
In particular, two matches against big teams like Atletico Madrid or Liverpool showed that the 22-year-old midfielder still has many limitations in Xabi Alonso's system. Bellingham was not really comfortable being pulled down to play as a pure midfielder, feeling like he wanted to be a free agent like under Ancelotti.
However, the good news is that his performances when returning to the England team show that Bellingham is getting closer to reaching his best state. This could be a solution to ease Mbappe's burden.
Franco Mastantuono is only 18 years old but has played his third most in attack. The young Argentine star showed his technique, confidence and good integration into the dressing room. However, contributing to the goal is still modest as there is only 1 goal after 12 matches.
If Xabi Alonso's positioning improvement - especially his right wing - is in line, Mastantuono could become an effective attack in the future. However, at present, he is still not enough to share the burden of goals.
The most worrying case is Rodrygo. The Brazilian player has not scored for Real since March and is on a streak of 13 consecutive shots. Even in La Liga, his most recent goal was in January.
It is worth mentioning that Rodrygo leads Real Madrid in the number of actions leading to shots per 90 minutes (7.24). This means the Brazilian star is still creating opportunities but his finishing ability is seriously declining. Rodrygo likes to play on the left wing but that position belongs to Vinicius so he is often pushed to the right.
Real Madrid have been ready to sell Rodrygo if there is a reasonable offer. Despite his current role, Rodrygo has no intention of leaving Los Blancos in January 2026. However, his form is clearly causing Real's attack to lose balance.
Real Madrid has many potential names, but only Kylian Mbappe is maintaining a stable and highly effective performance. Vinicius has conflicts with Xabi Alonso, Jude Bellingham has just recovered from injury, Franco Mastantuono needs time, while Rodrygo is in crisis of confidence.
Alonso's side are still creating chances, scoring more goals and having a better xG than last season, but their low conversion rate shows that the problem lies in the confidence and feel of the satellites around Mbappe.
As the season enters a severe period, Real Madrid will need more than individual brilliance. They need a second player who is capable of deciding the match like Vinicius, Bellingham or Rodrygo who shined in the Champions League.
