January as a turning point for Mastantuono

The Argentine is beginning to leave behind the noise, the doubts, and the weight of a complex adaptation, rediscovering the joy of playing football with freedom. After overcoming a pubalgia that sidelined him for weeks, the young Real Madrid player has regained rhythm, confidence, and relevance at a delicate moment for the team.

Mastantuono took advantage of absences and collective need to step up. He didn’t do it with words, but with football. First came Albacete, where he found the net again. Then Levante, coming off the bench in a tense Bernabéu, unafraid, linking play and proving decisive in a much-needed win.

The European night that confirmed his return

The real statement arrived in the Champions League against Monaco. Mastantuono was electric from the start, direct down the right flank, daring, and fully involved.

At just 18 years and 159 days, he became one of the youngest Argentines to score in the Champions League and one of the youngest goalscorers for Real Madrid in the competition. But the goal was only part of the message. He worked tirelessly for the team, combined with intelligence, and showed a personality the Madrid fans value.

Talent and maturity

After the match, Mastantuono once again showed that his growth goes beyond football. “I’m neither the new Messi nor the worst signing in Real Madrid’s history,” he said, displaying a maturity well beyond his years. He defended the team, backed Vinícius Jr. amid the boos, and spoke honestly about collective mistakes.

That balance between confidence and self-criticism explains why the club never considered a winter exit. Madrid knows it has a gem in development, and that patience is part of the process.

Internal support has also been key. Jude Bellingham has become one of his main allies in the dressing room, helping smooth an adaptation that goes beyond the pitch.

The next step: sustaining his influence

The talent was always there. Now, Mastantuono is starting to sustain it over time. Two goals in three matches, real impact on the game, and a clear feeling: the Argentine feels important again.

Real Madrid continues to search for stability, answers, and emerging leaders. In that scenario, Mastantuono appears as an unexpected but necessary figure. His challenge is no longer to surprise, but to confirm that this resurgence is not temporary.

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