Rodrygo Benched for Full 90 Minutes in Dramatic El Clasico Defeat

Brazilian star Rodrygo Goes stayed on the bench the whole match as Real Madrid lost 4-3 to Barcelona on Sunday. Named in the squad, the forward didn’t play even a minute in what was a very important game for Madrid’s title hopes.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti didn’t use Rodrygo, even when the team needed goals. When Vinicius Junior left the game in the 88th minute with an injury, Ancelotti chose Castilla youngster Victor Munoz over the seasoned Brazilian international. After the match, Ancelotti said: “I have no problems with him. It wasn’t any sort of punishment either. He just wasn’t at his best after the fever.” His decision was surprising because Madrid needed more attacking options to fight back against Barcelona.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The defeat seriously hurt Real Madrid’s chances of winning the title. Barcelona now leads LaLiga by seven points with only three matches left. Barcelona’s comeback was driven by Raphinha’s two goals and scores from Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal, overturning an early two-goal lead by Kylian Mbappé. While Mbappé scored a hat-trick by the 70th minute, Real Madrid couldn’t tie the game, putting them at risk of finishing the season without a trophy. The match showed Madrid’s defensive weaknesses, with what some called their “third/fourth/fifth/sixth string defence” having trouble stopping Barcelona’s forwards.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RODRYGO?

Rodrygo not playing in such an important match makes people question his future at the club. Recent reports suggest Real Madrid might sell the Brazilian if a €100 million offer comes in, with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested. With Madrid unlikely to win any trophies this season, Ancelotti must make tough choices about his team in the last three league games. The team needs to regroup quickly to secure second place in LaLiga, while questions about Rodrygo’s role and future at the club will likely continue throughout the summer transfer window.