Real Madrid open their Champions League campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu against Olympique Marseille with a notable absence from the starting lineup: Vinícius Junior will begin the match on the bench.

Manager Xabi Alonso will start Franco Mastantuono in attack alongside Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Arda Guler. Alonso’s decision to leave Vinicius out of the starting XI was tactical, as he opted to go with four attackers. The Brazilian forward is expected to feature as a substitute in the second half.

In the four LaLiga matches Real Madrid have played so far this season, the Brazilian forward has started three times, coming off the bench in the remaining game.

Vini has recorded two goals and one assist during that span, making his omission from the starting lineup in Madrid’s Champions Lea

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