Gerard Lopez says Real Madrid are ‘better balanced’ without Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid are “better balanced” without Vinicius Junior, according to former Barcelona player Gerard Lopez, after Kylian Mbappe scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico at Camp Nou.

Mbappe’s goals delivered the win for Real Madrid, while the Brazil forward was absent after being suspended for four matches following an incident involving Villarreal.

Speaking on Movistar Plus Deportes, Lopez and former Real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano assessed the match and discussed the changes to Real Madrid’s performance without Vinicius.

Valdano praises Mbappe’s influence

Valdano highlighted Mbappe’s goalscoring ability and growing influence within the team, arguing that leadership in football is not defined solely by wearing the captain’s armband.

The former Real Madrid manager said players could lead in different ways, including through their technical quality, emotional influence or relationships with team-mates.

“How can the person who leads you to a goal in every match not be a leader?” Valdano said of Mbappe.

He added: “Leadership means influence, and the person who scores a goal has more influence than anyone else, right?”

Valdano described the France striker as “extremely intelligent” and said Mbappe commands the attention of his team-mates without needing to deliberately adopt the role of captain.

His performances this season have included 14 goals and three assists in 13 matches.

Lopez: Real Madrid improved without Vinicius

Lopez offered a more controversial assessment of Real Madrid’s display, saying the side had benefited from Vinicius’ absence.

“Real Madrid are better after Vinicius’ departure. That is the reality; the team is now more balanced,” said the former Barcelona midfielder.

“Without Vinicius, this team runs more and runs better,” he added.

Lopez also praised Bian Diomande, whom he considered the best player in the match.