A Quiet Display Amid Real Madrid’s Victory

Real Madrid earned an important win over Getafe on Matchday 9 of LaLiga EA Sports, but Franco Mastantuono’s performance left more questions than answers. The Argentine prospect, one of the club’s brightest young talents, started under Xabi Alonso but struggled to make an impact during his time on the pitch.

With Vinícius Jr. and Arda Güler beginning on the bench, Alonso entrusted Mastantuono to line up alongside Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo in attack. However, in the 55 minutes he played, the youngster failed to stand out or create any real danger in the final third.

Getafe adopted a disciplined and physical approach, disrupting Madrid’s rhythm and limiting their creative flow. Despite the visitors controlling most of the possession, Mastantuono’s lack of presence was evident. He tried to get involved from the right wing and even entered the box after a strong team move, but defender Djené dispossessed him before he could shoot.

Spanish Media Turns Up the Heat

Xabi Alonso’s decision to substitute Mastantuono for Vinícius Jr. in the 55th minute spoke volumes. Although Real Madrid ultimately won thanks to a late strike from Mbappé, post-match discussions focused heavily on the teenager’s underwhelming showing.

On Spanish radio network Cope, journalist Manolo Lama suggested it was “time to seriously evaluate Mastantuono’s role in the team,” while Alfredo Relaño went further, stating: “It seems like an unnecessary obsession from Xabi—he hasn’t had 20 productive minutes yet.”

Other commentators highlighted the predictability of his play, with Lama adding: “Mastantuono only cuts inside,” pointing to a lack of variety in his offensive approach.

Despite the criticism, the 17-year-old midfielder is just returning from a muscle issue that kept him out of Argentina’s national team friendlies in the United States. This was his tenth appearance for the Merengues, having started eight games so far, with one goal and one assist to his name.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid climbed to 22 points, level with Barcelona at the top of the table—but the debate over Mastantuono’s role in Xabi Alonso’s squad is far from over.