From the Clasico to the derby. From rupture to communion. From jeers to renewal. This has been the last five months of Vinicius with Real Madrid. A swing of emotions. A mood first declining and then blazing.

From the day he was substituted, and his relationship with the Bernabeu began to fracture, to the day he was also substituted, and the Madrid fans gave him a standing ovation. From Barcelona to Atletico, Vinicius’ season has taken a 180-degree turn. And Vini is once again the decisive player he was.

Rayo, Real Sociedad, Benfica, City, Atletico… Games guided or decided by the Brazilian’s magic, talent, and precision. A little over a month and a half in The Best mode, in Ballon d’Or mode. Ten goals in 11 matches. And a last week to remember with two braces against City and Atletico.

On the best possible stage, the Champions League, and in one of the most important games of the year for Madrid and their fans. A fanbase he feels a part of. “I am a very happy Madridista today for the victory, for the goals, and because the fans can really enjoy it because it’s a derby and Madrid always wins.”

A connection with the stands was recovered. Repaired. Because there were moments of estrangement. Rooted in the Clasico, when Xabi Alonso substituted him in the 72nd minute and, as he stormed off directly to the tunnel, cameras captured him uttering those words that set off alarms. “I’m leaving this team!” he repeated.

It was the seventh time Xabi had substituted him. A circumstance compounded by three games as a substitute. The Bernabeu was initially mostly forgiving after the snub toward his coach, but the jeers grew, and when the storm broke, Vini became one of the main targets.

And that discord fueled fears of Vinicius leaving at a decisive moment in his ties with Madrid: his contract expires in June 2027 and, although the intention on both sides has always been clear to renew that agreement, the risk of a sale this coming summer or a free transfer loomed.

The volume rose at the Bernabeu in a match that became a referendum after the coaching change. But it was also that change on the sideline that allowed Vinicius to turn the situation around. Arbeloa showed complete confidence in the Brazilian from day one. “It’s a privilege to have him because he is one of the most game-changing footballers in the world and is loved by the fans.

We all saw Sunday’s match, and that is the Vini we want: one who enjoys, dances, plays, and is capable of changing a Clasico and making the difference. That’s the only thing that concerns me and that I want to see in him,” he said in his unconventional presentation.

The new coach was referring to the Supercup final, Vinicius’s swan song with Xabi. A match in which the Brazilian broke a three-month goal drought. It didn’t settle the debate, but it was a first step toward what has followed.

He also scored against Monaco, and since the start of February, he has hardly stopped. Those 10 goals in 11 matches. He has scored or assisted in all four Champions League knockout games. He was decisive against Benfica and a whirlwind at the Etihad. A radical change: the starting point was just seven goals in four and a half months of competition.

A meager tally for a player who had surpassed the 20-goal mark in each of the last four seasons. A benchmark that seemed unattainable two months ago now looks feasible. He has 17 goals at a rate of one every 201.5 minutes.

A pace similar to last season (he scored every 198.7 minutes), but which has skyrocketed in the last 11 matches he has played (he missed Madrid’s visit to Mestalla due to suspension), averaging a goal every 95.5 minutes.

In the first half of this season, under Xabi, it took him 336.8 minutes to score. “When this time of the season arrives, I don’t know what happens to me, but I always improve, I always score goals,” Vinicius said after his two goals in the derby. A brace with a dedication: “The president always tells me I have to score two goals, and I score these two goals for him.”

After the match, he received praise. From his coach: “Another great performance. Another display of talent, of courage, of having no fear. Of making a mistake and trying again. It’s an immense privilege to have him.

For his commitment, his talent, and his desire to carry the team. I don’t know if it’s the best moment of his career, but it’s close,” Arbeloa said. And from teammates like Bellingham. “Vini is an example of how to bounce back from a difficult moment,” the Englishman said.

But the greatest recognition came from his fans. A fanbase that enjoys the reborn Vini. That has forgotten the jeers and once again offers its loudest applause. And what was once a concern, his renewal with Madrid, now again becomes an urgent necessity. The best Vinicius has returned.

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