But in recent weeks, the seasoned veterans have emerged from the background to play significant roles in their team’s ascent to yet another league and European double.
Additionally, the past ten years have demonstrated that even if neither player will likely start Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, they will undoubtedly be prepared.
It’s time to give Real’s unsung pair some much-needed credit.
Vazquez had possibly his greatest week ever throughout the week.
The 32-year-old was given the task of scoring his team’s third penalty in the nerve-wracking shootout after substituting for Vinicius Junior during extra time in the second leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City.
It was hardly surprising for a player who has dedicated his entire career to never disappointing anyone to calmly finish his spot-kick in the lower left corner and stroll back to the halfway line as if nothing had occurred.
