What are Real Madrid's attacking options during Vinicius Jr ban?

Real Madrid have never been short of attacking talent, but how best to bring that talent together has long been a subject of debate.

Vinicius Jr’s four-match La Liga suspension has forced Jose Mourinho to rethink his forward line and explore alternative combinations.

In their 4-1 victory over Sevilla last weekend Real produced some of their most impressive attacking football of the season, deploying a new-look front three.

Kylian Mbappe led the line, with Endrick on the right, Yan Diomande on the left and Jude Bellingham operating in midfield. It delivered one of Real’s most complete attacking performances of the season.

Wednesday’s 4–1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig showcased a different attacking set-up.

Mbappe again led the line, with Vinicius and Arda Guler supporting him, before Mourinho turned to his bench for fresh attacking options.

Diomande replaced Vinicius in the 69th minute and made an immediate impact, scoring Real’s fourth with a spectacular volley, while Carlos Espi and Endrick were introduced late on.

Mourinho has made it clear that no player is “untouchable”, with performances on the pitch ultimately determining who earns their place in the team.

Real’s recent displays have offered an intriguing glimpse on how their attack could evolve without Vinicius, and it has created an opportunity for alternative options to make their case.

So who are the attacking options that could help turn Real’s season around?

Diomande is a very exciting prospect in Mourinho’s attacking puzzle and he is finally beginning to show why Real invested so heavily in him.

Arriving from RB Leipzig after an impressive 2025–26 campaign when he recorded 12 goals and nine assists, Diomande caught Real’s attention with his pace, direct dribbling and ability to beat defenders one-on-one.

However, Mourinho took several weeks to give him opportunities, and the winger did not start any of the club’s first five games of the season.

That has changed dramatically, with Diomande starting five of the past six matches, including the most recent three.

He is joint-second for more goal involvements with three goals and four assists, averages the most complete dribbles per 90 minutes, and is third for the most chances created in open play.

Mourinho has praised his attitude, saying: “He works well and hard, he’s humble and wants to learn and work. He listens to me and his team-mates. He will grow.”

He has also recognised the progress being made, adding: “He has a lot to improve, but he’s had a great game. He’s developing.”

Now, Vinicius’ suspension presents Diomande with an even bigger opportunity.

After impressing on the left wing against Sevilla and Leipzig, he is set to have three La Liga matches without direct competition from the Brazilian, beginning with El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday.

It is arguably his biggest test since arriving at the Bernabeu, giving him the chance to prove he can deliver on the biggest stage and establish himself as more than just a promising prospect and challenge Vinicius for a regular starting spot.

The question for Mourinho will be what happens when Vinicius returns, particularly as he remains available for Champions League action.

If Diomande can turn his recent run of starts into consistent goals, assists and decisive performances, he could become a crucial part of Real’s attack and begin to justify the enormous investment the club have made in him.

Endrick’s situation is more complicated.

The 20 year-old Brazilian arrived in Madrid with enormous expectations, but competition for attacking places has made consistent opportunities difficult to secure.

After gaining experience during a loan spell at Lyon in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, he has returned to a squad packed with established stars.

His performance against Roma offered a reminder of what he can bring. Endrick’s acceleration, direct running and willingness to attack defenders gave Real an extra dimension as they fought their way back into the match.

At his best, Endrick is capable of changing the tempo of an attack. He can operate from the right, drive towards goal and threaten as a central striker. That versatility could be especially useful when Real need to change their approach during a game.

His combination of pace and close control also offers a possible solution against opponents who press aggressively.

Rather than relying exclusively on intricate passing, Madrid could use Endrick to carry the ball into dangerous areas and force defenders to retreat.

The priority must be to give Endrick a clearly defined role and enough meaningful minutes to build his confidence.

The Spanish striker is making a name for himself as one of Real’s most effective impact players, showing that he could be a real weapon coming off the bench.

The 21-year-old has made the most of his very limited opportunities, scoring three goals in only 37 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League, a brilliant return that has strengthened calls for him to receive more opportunities.

Espi offers Real something different from their more mobile forwards: a natural centre-forward who can occupy central defenders, attack crosses and provide a focal point inside the penalty area.

He is 6ft 4in tall and arrived after an 11-goal league campaign with Levante. He gives Mourinho a different tactical option when Real need to change the game.

Maintaining that scoring rate over a longer period will be difficult, and Mbappe’s place as the main striker limits Espi’s opportunities to start.

But that may be where his greatest value lies for now. He can enter games against tired defenders, bringing fresh energy into the penalty area and giving Real a different attacking option when they need to chase a result.

If he continues to deliver in those crucial moments, Espi could become far more than a substitute and he could be the reliable game-changer Mourinho turns to when the pressure is highest.

What are Real's attacking options during Vinicius Jr ban?

Real Madrid have never been short of attacking talent, but how best to bring that talent together has long been a subject of debate.

Vinicius Jr’s four-match La Liga suspension has forced Jose Mourinho to rethink his forward line and explore alternative combinations.

In their 4-1 victory over Sevilla last weekend Real produced some of their most impressive attacking football of the season, deploying a new-look front three.

Kylian Mbappe led the line, with Endrick on the right, Yan Diomande on the left and Jude Bellingham operating in midfield. It delivered one of Real’s most complete attacking performances of the season.

Wednesday’s 4–1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig showcased a different attacking set-up.

Mbappe again led the line, with Vinicius and Arda Guler supporting him, before Mourinho turned to his bench for fresh attacking options.

Diomande replaced Vinicius in the 69th minute and made an immediate impact, scoring Real’s fourth with a spectacular volley, while Carlos Espi and Endrick were introduced late on.

Mourinho has made it clear that no player is “untouchable”, with performances on the pitch ultimately determining who earns their place in the team.

Real’s recent displays have offered an intriguing glimpse on how their attack could evolve without Vinicius, and it has created an opportunity for alternative options to make their case.

So who are the attacking options that could help turn Real’s season around?

Diomande is a very exciting prospect in Mourinho’s attacking puzzle and he is finally beginning to show why Real invested so heavily in him.

Arriving from RB Leipzig after an impressive 2025–26 campaign when he recorded 12 goals and nine assists, Diomande caught Real’s attention with his pace, direct dribbling and ability to beat defenders one-on-one.

However, Mourinho took several weeks to give him opportunities, and the winger did not start any of the club’s first five games of the season.

That has changed dramatically, with Diomande starting five of the past six matches, including the most recent three.

He is joint-second for more goal involvements with three goals and four assists, averages the most complete dribbles per 90 minutes, and is third for the most chances created in open play.

Mourinho has praised his attitude, saying: “He works well and hard, he’s humble and wants to learn and work. He listens to me and his team-mates. He will grow.”

He has also recognised the progress being made, adding: “He has a lot to improve, but he’s had a great game. He’s developing.”

Now, Vinicius’ suspension presents Diomande with an even bigger opportunity.

After impressing on the left wing against Sevilla and Leipzig, he is set to have three La Liga matches without direct competition from the Brazilian, beginning with El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday.

It is arguably his biggest test since arriving at the Bernabeu, giving him the chance to prove he can deliver on the biggest stage and establish himself as more than just a promising prospect and challenge Vinicius for a regular starting spot.

The question for Mourinho will be what happens when Vinicius returns, particularly as he remains available for Champions League action.

If Diomande can turn his recent run of starts into consistent goals, assists and decisive performances, he could become a crucial part of Real’s attack and begin to justify the enormous investment the club have made in him.

Endrick’s situation is more complicated.

The 20 year-old Brazilian arrived in Madrid with enormous expectations, but competition for attacking places has made consistent opportunities difficult to secure.

After gaining experience during a loan spell at Lyon in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, he has returned to a squad packed with established stars.

His performance against Roma offered a reminder of what he can bring. Endrick’s acceleration, direct running and willingness to attack defenders gave Real an extra dimension as they fought their way back into the match.

At his best, Endrick is capable of changing the tempo of an attack. He can operate from the right, drive towards goal and threaten as a central striker. That versatility could be especially useful when Real need to change their approach during a game.

His combination of pace and close control also offers a possible solution against opponents who press aggressively.

Rather than relying exclusively on intricate passing, Madrid could use Endrick to carry the ball into dangerous areas and force defenders to retreat.

The priority must be to give Endrick a clearly defined role and enough meaningful minutes to build his confidence.

The Spanish striker is making a name for himself as one of Real’s most effective impact players, showing that he could be a real weapon coming off the bench.

The 21-year-old has made the most of his very limited opportunities, scoring three goals in only 37 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League, a brilliant return that has strengthened calls for him to receive more opportunities.

Espi offers Real something different from their more mobile forwards: a natural centre-forward who can occupy central defenders, attack crosses and provide a focal point inside the penalty area.

He is 6ft 4in tall and arrived after an 11-goal league campaign with Levante. He gives Mourinho a different tactical option when Real need to change the game.

Maintaining that scoring rate over a longer period will be difficult, and Mbappe’s place as the main striker limits Espi’s opportunities to start.

But that may be where his greatest value lies for now. He can enter games against tired defenders, bringing fresh energy into the penalty area and giving Real a different attacking option when they need to chase a result.

If he continues to deliver in those crucial moments, Espi could become far more than a substitute and he could be the reliable game-changer Mourinho turns to when the pressure is highest.

Fabregas and Como prepare for historic Man Utd tie

“It’s Manchester United. We are only just getting our heads around the fact we are playing Inter, Milan and Juventus.

“This is without doubt the biggest night in the club’s history.”

The words of a Como staff member say it all.

United may not be the force they once were and travel to Italy on the brink of a full-blown crisis after six games without a win, their worst run since 2018-19. But, in terms of global stature, they are immense.

To put this into context, when United savoured the last of their three Champions League triumphs in 2008, Como were a Serie D club, playing in one of nine semi-professional regional leagues, where attendances tend to be measured in their hundreds.

According to chief executive Mirwan Surwaso, it was their status as an amateur club - they returned to Serie D in 2017 after being unable to convince the authorities of their financial wellbeing - which first attracted the London-based media company Sent Entertainment, owned by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono.

When they concluded a deal in 2019, the Hartono brothers were planning a TV project, with the idea of screening matches involving young Indonesian players back home. A visit from Manchester United was not part of the plan.

There cannot be many Champions League stadiums you can walk around and in addition to seeing an iconic tourist attraction. Lake Como is 29 miles long and 2.5 miles wide in some parts - you also come across a yacht club and an ‘Aero Club’ for the sea-planes that take off at regular intervals.

The clubs themselves have been there for a long time. But Como also use their natural surroundings to offer one hour Lake Como tours, followed by ‘pre-match Lakeside hospitality’.

In town - Como’s population is just over 83,000, which means 90% of them could fit in the San Siro Stadium - there is a plush new club shop, selling all kinds of branded merchandise. There was no need for that in Serie D.

“Somehow the team got promoted, we had to go professional, and the plan had to be scrapped,” Surwaso told Piers Morgan’s Football Uncensored Podcast this month.

The alternative plan is still being amended substantially.

Initially it was expected this season would be a selling year, when some of the developing talents Como thought they could cash in on would be sold.

Instead, manager Cesc Fabregas steered his squad to fourth place in 2025-26, capitalising on AC Milan’s shock defeat at Cagliari.

It meant in the space of five seasons from Fabregas’ arrival as a player, Como had gone from Serie B to the Champions League. Earlier this week, Lionel Messi’s son Ciro gave Como his seal of approval by being pictured with his dad wearing a replica Como kit. Tangible evidence of a meteoric rise.

“Compared to when I finished my career here, it is completely different,” said Fabregas. “It is not even night and day. It is another world.

“Playing Manchester United is a historic day once again for the club, the city of Como and fanbase.

“When I retired as a player, I coached to get experience. I explained what I thought of the club and my vision and put the plan to work. We are a family here. Even when we lose, fans come and celebrate. We need to be humble and remember who we were because the story of Como will be beautiful, and we will remember it forever.”

The captivating nature of the Como story does bring with it some questions.

In the short term, some wonder how they can possibly comply with Uefa’s financial rules, which European football’s governing body does not intend to amend despite Como’s rise from Serie B.

Surwaso told Morgan: “The scrutiny is on us but we always have our books in order, so we are not too worried.”

The other point, which will become an issue if the forecast heavy rain at kick-off arrives, is that three quarters of the 12,300-capacity Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is uncovered.

Growing both sides of the club is essential if Como are to maximise their potential.

For Fabregas, whose responsibility is clearly on the playing side, there is a balance to be struck between celebrating the spectacular journey Como have been on, and ensuring his players are not resting on their laurels.

“We were at minus 10 when we started, but we don’t want to spend time thinking about what has passed,” said the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea star.

“If you want to do that, retire and go write a book about what Como did. We must look at what is in front of us.”

While Como now attract thousands to their games, those who followed the club when crowds were in the hundreds remain.

“I had an uncle who supported Como,” said Marco Melillo, an out-of-town fan.

“He showed me the sticker collection, I saw the blue shirt and the blue colours and totally went crazy about it.

“I know in England a lot of people support teams in lower leagues, but that is not so true in Italy, where people support bigger teams. I do not like that that much. I was not really interested in supporting a team that was winning something. I liked the colours. I liked the stadium and when I came here and saw the lake, it was ‘wow’.

“We know the club is in the best situation ever in its history but when I see the faces of the guys and ladies that were also here in Serie D, we just see in our eyes and say, ‘OK, we hope that this story will go on as long as possible, as best as possible, but if it maybe abruptly ended, because in the past we had also some bad things, we know we will be there’.”

Federico Borghi is a local, and despite the weather, came with his huge Como 1907-2007 history book.

“In 2008, I had just started to go to the stadium to attend games,” he said. “Not even in our best dreams could we think of playing Manchester United. I get chills even thinking about it.

“As soon as I entered the stadium for the first time I realised this was going to be my faith. I was there in the bad times and that has strengthened my faith and my relationship with the club.

“The Premier League is my inspiration and to face one of the top three or four biggest clubs in the world, it’s a big honour.”

Fernandes rounds on Carrick after Man Utd humiliation

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes turned on head coach Michael Carrick following one of the most humiliating nights in the club’s European history.

A 4-1 Champions League hammering at Como led to Carrick fielding questions about his future.

He apologised to the 700 travelling fans, having ignored his beaten players after the final whistle to march across the pitch and repeatedly hold his hands up - in a manner similar to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a 4-1 defeat at Watford in November 2021 which led to his dismissal as United boss 24 hours later.

However, Fernandes - widely accepted as a football obsessive who watches games regularly and understands the tactical side as well as any player in the United squad - inflicted more damage when he spoke to TNT Sports afterwards.

“It’s a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence,” he said.

Asked directly whether Carrick got his tactics wrong, Fernandes added: “That’s on the manager and staff to see it, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable.”

Told of Fernandes’ comments in his post-match press conference, Carrick offered a curt response: “There’s a little bit of whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win.”

Carrick also refused to answer questions about his own future.

Instead, he described his own feelings about United’s performance and focused on taking responsibility.

“I have to apologise to the supporters,” said the former player. “I care about this football club as much as anyone, if not more, with the position that I’m in and what I value this football club. For us to play in that way is not acceptable.

“I always go over to the fans anyway, regardless, so it wasn’t a particularly different kind of reason why I went over.

“It’s the appreciation and acknowledgement of what they’ve gone through and have done over a period of a few weeks now. As I said, I was one of them.

“I’m feeling the same as them. We’ve got a lot of values in this football club; what we represent and how we want to go about it. We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight wasn’t acceptable. I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them.

“Listen. I’ve not given my own position any thought - this is for the supporters - I was one of them watching that and I wasn’t happy all.”

After winning 12 of his 17 games in charge last season to guide United back into the Champions League after a two-year absence, Carrick was given a two-year contract.

However, as happened with Solskjaer five years ago, the new campaign has unravelled spectacularly and they are 13th in the Premier League, three points clear of bottom club Sunderland.

Although they recovered from their shock opening-day defeat to newly promoted Hull by coming from behind to beat Ipswich the following week, United have not won in the Premier League since. Their only other success in 11 games in all competitions came against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK in the Champions League.

Their latest loss meant they have now gone seven games without a win, their worst run since they went eight without a victory under Louis van Gaal between 25 November and 28 December 2015.

Only Joshua Zirkzee’s injury-time consolation prevented United suffering their joint second-worst European defeat of all time.

The embarrassment was heightened by the knowledge that when they were last crowned European champions in 2008, Como were playing semi-professional football in front of a couple of hundred spectators in Serie D.

It is a basic reality that if Como’s star man Nico Paz, who opened the scoring after 118 seconds, created the second and added a third goal, said he wanted to leave Como, virtually every big club in Europe would want to sign him and United’s chances would be virtually non-existent.

They entertain 15th-placed Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday knowing that prior to last season’s amazing 4-4 draw, the Cherries recorded 3-0 wins on their previous two visits to Old Trafford.

United flew straight back to Manchester after the game.

It remains to be seen whether the position around Carrick changes before the Bournemouth game. However, United supporters sang against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the shambolic evening unravelled.

Both Carrick and sporting director Jason Wilcox have been absolved of partial blame for the club’s plight by some; Carrick because he was let down badly in the summer transfer window, when the club signed three midfielders, but failed to bring in competition for Luke Shaw at left-back and Benjamin Sesko in attack. Wilcox too, because he had to work to a budget set by those above him, including chief executive Omar Berrada.

“There was a lot going through my mind watching that,” admitted Carrick, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during his United playing career. “It was tough to watch.

“It wasn’t just the goals, if I’m totally honest. It was the manner and way we played at times.

“I’m giving my absolute best all the time, I care about it. My whole life is wrapped around it. It might go well, it might not go so well, but I genuinely give everything that I possibly can.”

How England hopeful Acheampong is giving Chelsea a big decision to make

Acheampong has made 52 appearances since his debut for Chelsea in 2024

Chelsea’s academy has been a production line for England defenders, and Josh Acheampong could become the latest to take that step.

Since John Terry broke through in the early 2000s, Chelsea have produced Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori for England, while also developing international centre-backs Andreas Christensen and Nathan Ake.

Acheampong has started six of Chelsea’s past nine matches in all competitions.

Only four players - attackers Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, and defenders Colwill and Maxence Lacroix - have played more than his 581 minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Much of that has stemmed from Alonso settling on a more consistent side.

Chelsea had conceded a league-high 12 goals before the international break but have let in only one since, including recording their first clean sheet of the season away at Everton on Saturday.

Acheampong, 20, has operated as a roaming centre-back in a back three alongside more fixed options Colwill and Lacroix, stepping into midfield or moving wide to perform the role of a traditional full-back when in possession.

He has also developed a promising understanding with right wing-back Pedro Neto, combining with him in the move that led to Joao Pedro’s goal against Bournemouth, while keeping £75m signing Wesley Fofana out of the side.

Alonso has been keen to emphasise Chelsea’s defensive improvement as a collective effort, with the return of Moises Caicedo from injury and his partnership alongside 36-year-old Jordan Henderson adding greater stability.

During a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, Alonso also hammered home his policy of giving minutes to those who most deserve it, rather than on reputation.

It’s in this environment Acheampong has begun featuring regularly, while also starting eight of England Under-21s’ past 10 matches.

Increasingly, the young defender appears to be knocking on the door of a senior call-up should manager Thomas Tuchel seek a versatile option on the right side of defence.

Acheampong is under contract until 2029, meaning decisions need to be made between now and next summer.

Across recent transfer windows, the defender has been repeatedly linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, only for sources within Chelsea to insist he was “untouchable”.

That message has remained consistent, although it has occasionally raised eyebrows.

Chelsea seriously explored moves for now-Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen in the summer of 2025 and Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet in January 2026, who possess similar attributes and are only a year older than Acheampong.

At one stage during the summer Chelsea had 10 senior centre-backs on their books, before ending the transfer window with six.

In a season without European football, there were genuine doubts over how much Acheampong would play. Potential loan moves were explored, including a switch to Crystal Palace.

Palace instead signed Chelsea’s Axel Disasi on loan, with Premier League rules permitting only one domestic loan signing from another top-flight club.

Despite being with Chelsea since Under-8s, Acheampong has come close to leaving on more than one occasion.

In 2023, he did not sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday, which is typically the norm for elite academy prospects. The club’s current ownership later moved to secure his future in January 2024, avoiding the risk of losing him for only a nominal compensation fee.

Twelve months later, Acheampong again appeared to be heading towards the exit in what former manager Enzo Maresca described as a “bad situation”.

Before the conclusion of lengthy and ultimately successful negotiations, the club’s hierarchy withdrew him from selection at both academy and first-team level before he eventually signed a contract until 2029.

That agreement, signed in December 2024, remains the deal he is on today.

Chelsea could face important decisions next summer, when Acheampong, Colwill and Fofana will all enter the final two years of their contracts.

Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo were sold to Como and Tottenham Hotspur respectively this summer after entering the final two years of their deals.

The policy stems in part from lessons learned following Chelsea’s 2022 takeover, when Antonio Rudiger and Christensen departed on free transfers to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Those exits triggered a scramble to reinforce the centre of defence, contributing to expensive moves for Fofana and Marc Cucurella.

Acheampong’s recent performances have begun to attract wider recognition among Chelsea supporters and have raised the stakes surrounding his future.

At present, there are no active discussions over a new deal, although the idea of a seven-year contract has been floated previously.

There is caution within Acheampong’s camp about rushing into negotiations until there is clearer evidence that he can become a regular starter at Chelsea.

However, the first-team football provided by Alonso has given the club its strongest chance yet of persuading one of its most promising academy graduates to commit his long-term future.