Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Leganés on Sunday, November 24th, but the win came with a heavy price: star forward Vinícius Jr. suffered a biceps femoris injury in his left leg, sidelining him for at least three weeks.

The injury, confirmed by the club’s medical team, is a blow to both Real Madrid and their UEFA Champions League ambitions. With a critical clash against Liverpool on the horizon, the absence of Vinícius, a cornerstone of the team’s attack, leaves a significant void. The biceps femoris, a key hamstring muscle responsible for knee flexion and hip extension, is particularly vulnerable during high-intensity actions like sprinting—an essential part of the Brazilian’s explosive style.

Vinícius Jr., who completed the full 90 minutes despite experiencing pain, later attributed the injury to the grueling demands of the packed match schedule. His absence places immense pressure on Kylian Mbappé, who has been under scrutiny for his lackluster performances. With Vinícius sidelined, the expectations for Mbappe to step up and deliver are higher than ever.

Sports Betting Markets

Vinícius’s injury has not caused a significant adjustment in betting lines, suggesting that the market had already factored in Liverpool’s strength. Since the opening line, where Liverpool was favored at +105, their odds have slightly shifted to +100, reflecting minimal movement.

Real Madrid’s odds, however, have improved from +250 to +230, indicating that while Liverpool remains the favorite, some bettors still believe in Madrid’s ability to compete—even without Vinícius Jr. The line movement seems more influenced by public perception than the injury itself, underscoring the resilience of Real Madrid’s squad in the eyes of sharp bettors.

A Test Of Depth

The injury not only tests Real Madrid’s depth but also underscores the physical toll on players at the highest level of competition. With Vinícius sidelined, the spotlight intensifies on Mbappé. Despite the criticism he has faced, this is his opportunity to rise to the occasion and lead Madrid’s attack against Liverpool.

Vinicius’ absence provides Kylian with a golden chance to climb the Pichichi ranks* and establish himself as a dominant force in La Liga. As the highly anticipated match approaches, the question remains: Can Real Madrid overcome adversity and deliver, or will Liverpool capitalize on their weakened opponent?

*Soccer Talk:

Pichichi is a Spanish football award given to the top scorer of each La Liga season.  It’s named after Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, a legendary Spanish footballer who was nicknamed “Pichichi.

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