Real Madrid's brilliant early-season form will be put to the test in the absence of injured talisman Karim Benzema when Los Blancos travel to Real Mallorca on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti's team launched the defence of their Champions League title midweek with a 3-0 win at Celtic, but it came at a price with Benzema sustaining a thigh injury that is likely to rule him out until October.
In his absence, Vinicius Junior and Brazilian compatriot Rodyrgo will have to shoulder more of the burden up front for Real.
"We won't change our system just because Benzema is out. [Eden] Hazard will play," Ancelotti was quoted as saying by Real Madrid's website.
"He [Hazard] hasn't got the goalscoring streak like Karim, it's been a long time since he's played and I won't ask that of him. We mustn't lose the good run we're on in front of goal, we're linking up well and moving nicely. We don't need to change anything”.
Vinicius has scored in each of his past four matches, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of his team-mates who have re-established Real as Europe's most successful club.
"Hopefully, at this club, I'm going to go down as a legend," the 22-year-old said this week.
"I can stay here for a long time and go down in the record books like Karim Benzema, Tony Kroos and Luka Modric."
Benzema joins defender Eder Militao on the sidelines, the Brazilian also picking up a muscle problem against Celtic, while Jesus Vallejo and Alvaro Odriozola are also likely absentees.
Real have won the first four games of the La Liga season.
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Real Madrid forward Rodrygo celebrates after scoring against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 3, 2022. AFP -
Rodrygo is tackled by Alex Moreno during the match between Real Madrid and Real Betis. Getty -
Rodrygo controls the ball during the match between Real Madrid and Real Betis. EPA -
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema in action during the match against Real Betis. EPA -
Real Madrid's Toni Kroos, left is tackled by Betis' Aitor Ruibal. AP -
Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe tackles Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. AFP -
Real Betis midfielder Willian Jose fights for the ball with Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. AFP -
David Alaba of Real Madrid heads the ball during the match against Real Betis. Getty Images -
Karim Benzema heads the ball during the match between Real Madrid and Real Betis. Getty Images -
Vinicius Junior celebrates with teammates after scoring Real Madrid's opening goal. Getty Images
