The duo excelled on the trip to Estadio de la Ceramica and the manager was effusive in his praise
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa oversaw his second league win at Villareal, his side striking twice in the second half to go provisionally top of La Liga.
The manager reserved a glassful of praise for Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Mbappe scored both goals to make it 32 out of 27 played, an astonishing return. But how did Vinicius play?
The Brazilian was lively around the edge of the box, and combined frequently with Mbappe. At one point in the first half he played a one-two pass with the Frenchman right around the D to give Mbappe a clear shot at goal. It ended with a tame effort that goalkeeper Luis Junior easily saved but that is the kind of understanding that has grown between the two.
In the second half it was with Mbappe that Vinicius combined with again before scorching past Pau Navarro to send a low cross into the six-yard box, Mbappe ultimately converting after Pape Gueye had fluffed his clearance.
He was similarly in unstoppable mode against Monaco at the Bernabeu in midweek, scoring once, setting up two assists, and forcing an own goal in the 6-1 rout.
“What we’re seeing, just like on Wednesday night, is a great Vinicius,” Arbeloa said. “We have to make the most of him, and look for him as often as possible, to get him into one-on-ones. It’s what I’ve always said, we’re so lucky to have him.”
On the duo, Arbeloa said: “They’re the best players in the world, two really dangerous players. We try to get them as many balls as possible. With Vini on the outside, and Kylian finding space.
“We’re very happy with them in this form, and above all with the work they’re doing. It’s their effort and solidarity, and they’re being rewarded with goals.”
The game at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday night hung in the balance for the entire first half, and even while Madrid led in the second half, the Yellow Submarine had more than a few good chances to draw level.
“The match against Villarreal was one of the most difficult we had left in La Liga and we have to give a lot of credit to the victory,” Arbeloa said.
“We have room for improvement. We’ve had few training sessions together and haven’t had enough time to work together. We have a lot to improve in all aspects, starting with consistency and hard work.”
There was nothing more heart-warming than Mbappe’s gesture at the end, scoring a Panenka penalty as a gesture of camaraderie to teammate Brahim Diaz.
“The first thing for a team is knowing that we have to stick together,” said Arbeloa. “We’re going to go through tough times, but it’s through unity that we achieve our goals. I’ve found a healthy group that values each other a lot, and that’s the first rule of any team sport.”
