The Spaniard has logged meaningful minutes against Barcelona, Valladolid, and Villarreal, and he remains a key talking point for Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid’s latest outing against Villarreal offered a mixed picture. After Vinicius Junior, the team showed a drop in intensity, and Madrid were punished by a well-organized opponent led by a standout Chukwueze. Yet amid the fluctuating spell, one name stood out as a beacon of consistency and impact: Marco Asensio. The Spaniard has repeatedly shown his best form in recent matches, a trend that continued against Valladolid and resurfaced in the sharper moments against Barcelona when he arrived from the bench and made a palpable difference. This Saturday, he was among Madrid’s most influential players, even if not every part of the performance was flawless.
In the two Bernabéu fixtures, Asensio demonstrated a sharp sense for timing and space. He understands how to exploit gaps when opponents settle into a compact shape and they deny easy routes to goal. Often criticized for appearing less involved in non scoring phases, his recent contributions negate that critique. He has been involved in build-up and link play, helping Madrid unlock defenses that previously seemed impermeable. His movement off the ball and willingness to participate in combination play provided Madrid with more attacking options and a clearer pathway to create chances when the team needed them most.
The spotlight on Asensio comes at a moment when questions about rotation and squad balance are rife. A starting role in critical fixtures cannot be guaranteed, with Vinicius and Benzema delivering consistency and Rodrygo showing good form. Yet the winger’s performances in recent periods have kept him in the conversation for regular minutes. With the season moving into its decisive phase, Asensio has positioned himself to be a decisive factor in La Liga and a trusted option for the Champions League push. His ability to influence games beyond scoring is particularly valuable, given Madrid’s recent struggles to convert chances in and around the box.
Looking ahead, Asensio faces a pivotal period with the contract situation looming. The extension talks illuminate his long term prospects at the club, and the player’s form could influence Madrid’s stance on a renewal. If he sustains this level, there is a genuine case for him to be considered a regular starter in domestic and European fixtures. The calendar is tight, and the club will weigh the benefits of keeping a player who can deliver in big moments against the realities of wage structure and squad planning. Either way, Asensio’s current trajectory aligns with the team’s requirements at a time when stability and versatility are prized assets for a squad chasing trophies across competitions. His performances contribute not only to immediate results but also to Madrid’s broader strategy of sustaining depth and quality in attack as they pursue continued success in Spain and Europe.
In summary, Asensio has reached a decisive stretch of the season with his form and contributions aligning with Madrid’s ambitions. His recent displays suggest he can be a steady influence in La Liga and a crucial option in the Champions League journey. While the club weighs renewal and rotation, the player’s readiness to influence games remains evident, offering Ancelotti a reliable tool in a demanding campaign. The coming weeks will test whether his impact translates into consistent starters’ minutes, but the signs are encouraging for a Madrid side looking to maximize every attacking avenue.