Real Madrid's Brazilian duo are facing tough times: Vinicius is struggling and getting booed at home, while Rodrygo has become a spectator.

With the summer holiday coming to an end, Europe's top leagues have resumed—Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1 started last weekend, while Bundesliga and Serie A will begin this weekend. In the first round of La Liga, Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna at home, courtesy of Mbappé’s penalty. Yet, the Brazilian duo at Real Madrid are both in tricky situations: Vinicius’s extension talks have hit a wall, and Rodrygo is on the transfer list but hasn't attracted any offers.

During Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Osasuna, Vinicius started but was substituted by Gonzalo García in the 78th minute. Vinicius attempted four dribbles but succeeded just once, had only one shot as a forward, and failed to hit the target—a disappointing performance. After one turnover in attack, the home crowd even booed him. Despite his €170 million market value and being a global football star, Vinicius is not appreciated by either rival fans or many Madrid supporters, which is rare in football. His lack of form has led to declining confidence and energy on the pitch. Now, Vinicius must fight for his starting spot, and if his form continues to drop, Alonso may start Gonzalo García as the number nine and move Mbappé back to his favored left flank.

Rodrygo’s situation is even more awkward than Vinicius’s. Under Alonso’s tactics, he’s become a fringe player, with Gonzalo García and Mastantono ahead of him in the pecking order. In Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Osasuna, Rodrygo stayed on the bench the entire game. Despite a €90 million valuation and support from fans and media, he didn’t get a single minute on the pitch, which is quite embarrassing.

Here’s a bit of irony: Richarlison, a Brazilian striker often criticized by fans and media, scored twice in the Premier League opener—both goals were spectacular, including a volley and a bicycle kick. For the Brazilian national team, Real Madrid’s duo have scored a combined 14 goals, which is less than Richarlison’s 20. Perhaps Vinicius and Rodrygo are overrated and simply benefiting from playing at a top club like Real Madrid.