Ahead of their Champions League play-off and a decisive stretch of the campaign, the entire Real Madrid squad, minus the coaching staff, came together for a bonding dinner organised by Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.
Los Blancos have endured a demanding season that began back in June under a new manager and with an unforgiving schedule. Taking advantage of one of the rare free midweeks, the dressing room assembled in full. It was one of those classic calls for unity, designed to galvanise the group before the season’s intensity rises once again.
In context, next week marks the start of their Champions League play-off against Benfica. That tie arrives with the bitter memory of a 4-2 defeat and Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Albacete still lingering, despite a run of seven straight league wins that has revived the title race. The dinner was held at a venue in which both Vinicius and Mbappe have commercial stakes, with the pair acting as hosts.
Setting business matters aside, it is noteworthy that two figures expected to spearhead Madrid’s charge for trophies took the initiative in arranging the gathering. The entire squad was present, including injured players, and the evening unfolded without any members of the coaching team in attendance.
Real Madrid are rallying for the most important stretch of the League
Whether intended to promote the restaurant or to publicly demonstrate dressing-room harmony, Vinicius was the first to reveal details of the evening. Most of the squad left between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, while Asencio was reportedly the final departure at 2:50 AM, according to MARCA. The decision to share the dinner on social media carries weight, particularly after the Santiago Bernabeu faithful voiced strong criticism following two underwhelming displays.
From mid-February to late March, Real Madrid are scheduled to play eight matches – potentially ten should they reach the Champions League round of 16 – a spell that could define the trajectory of their season. It not only strengthens their ambition of securing a ‘Decimosexta’ (16th European crown) but also presents an opportunity to overtake Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with Madrid’s domestic fixtures appearing, on paper, less daunting than those facing the Catalans. During the same period, Barcelona must navigate away trips to Villarreal and Athletic Club, alongside a taxing two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid and, depending on the draw, another clash with reigning European champions PSG.
Developments off the pitch and selection matters have also drawn attention to the theme of unity within the squad, including the recent situation involving Dani Carvajal and his limited minutes.
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