Real Madrid are preparing to kick off their La Liga campaign with an intense match against Mallorca.
This opening game of the season is not just any ordinary fixture, as it will see the rekindling of a fierce rivalry between two familiar foes: Vinicius Jr. and Mallorca’s right-back, Pablo Maffeo.
The history between these two players is well-documented, with the rivalry stretching across four heated encounters. While there is technically a fifth match, it barely counts as they only shared the pitch for a brief 10 minutes.
In each of the four significant meetings, tensions have flared, resulting in a series of heated exchanges and yellow cards. These incidents have added fuel to a rivalry that has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Vinicius vs Maffeo and Mallorca
The ongoing battle between Vinicius and Maffeo is as fiery as it can get. Every time Real Madrid and Mallorca have met with these two on the pitch, the tension has been palpable, and the outcomes have been fiery.
Interestingly, the Mallorca right-back has consistently demonstrated his determination to go toe-to-toe with Vinicius, making it his personal mission to stop the Brazilian star.
This determination has led to repeated clashes, with Maffeo receiving yellow cards in each of their four encounters. Vinicius, however, has played a total of eight matches against Mallorca but has scored just three goals.
The confrontations between them are not just physical but also psychological, as both players engage in a battle of wits, testing each other’s mental resolve on the field.
For Vinicius, this match is an opportunity to put the past behind him, to outshine his rival, and to demonstrate his growth as a player.
On the other hand, Maffeo will be looking to once again prove that he can be the immovable obstacle to Vinicius’ brilliance.
As the story continues to unfold, this rivalry will certainly be a highlight of the season, offering fans a thrilling spectacle of top-tier football.