The euphoria of a Champions League victory for Real Madrid was starkly overshadowed by a chorus of boos directed at Vinicius Junior at the Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
Key Points:
- Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in their Champions League opener.
- Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde scored for Los Blancos.
- Vinicius Junior was whistled by sections of the home crowd upon substitution.
- Manager Jose Mourinho staunchly defended the Brazilian winger's effort and commitment.
Champions League Glory, Bernabéu Backlash
Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Inter Milan. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde sealed the three points, giving Los Blancos a vital start in Europe.
However, the post-match discussion wasn't solely about the scoreline or the brilliant goals. Instead, it centered on the controversial reception for Vinicius Junior, who was met with whistles from sections of the home crowd when substituted in the 87th minute—a clear sign of growing fan frustration.
Mourinho's Vehement Defense of Vini Jr.
Addressing the Critics Head-On
Post-game, manager Jose Mourinho launched a spirited defense of Vinicius Junior. He openly admitted the winger isn't in peak form but praised his tireless work ethic, refusing to let the fan reaction diminish his player's commitment.
"He isn't at his best, and he knows it," Mourinho stated during his press conference. "But he's working hard to be the Vinicius who decides games." The Portuguese attributed Vinicius's late-game struggles to sheer fatigue, particularly against Inter's challenging wing-back system. "Without being at his best, he's working harder than ever," he emphasized, signaling unwavering trust.
Tactical Nuances and Unwavering Support
The Real Madrid boss highlighted the tactical difficulty Inter's three-at-the-back system posed for wingers. "Playing against a side that plays with three at the back, with wing-backs, it's very hard for the wingers," Mourinho explained, offering context to Vinicius's performance.
He believes that with his usual sharpness, Vinicius would have "killed the game" in one-on-one situations. "If he works, he'll always have my support," Mourinho affirmed, underscoring his belief in a swift return to devastating form and reaffirming his faith in the Brazilian attacker.
Underlying Pressures: Form Slump & Injury Woes
Vinicius's Battle for Consistency
This isn't an isolated incident for Vinicius Junior. The forward endured a difficult 2025-26 season and has started the current campaign slowly, with only one goal and two assists in five appearances. Despite committing his long-term future to the club this summer, the pressure from the demanding Bernabéu faithful is undeniably mounting.
Squad Depth Tested to the Limit
Beyond Vinicius's individual form, the Inter clash also exposed wider squad issues for Real Madrid. Key players Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, and Eduardo Camavinga were sidelined by suspensions. This forced Mourinho to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his natural position in central midfield.
Mourinho praised Alexander-Arnold's effort but noted the physical toll of playing in an unfamiliar role. "It's hard for Trent," Mourinho acknowledged. "He had some losses of the ball, because it's not the same playing with the whole field in front of you, and playing with half the field behind you." This highlights the challenges facing Mourinho as he navigates a demanding season.
The Road Ahead: Reclaiming Fan Faith
Vinicius Junior faces an immediate opportunity to silence his critics and begin the process of winning back the demanding Real Madrid support. Los Blancos will host a Madrid derby against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga this Saturday at the Bernabéu.
Following the upcoming international break, Real Madrid's European duties resume with an away trip to Italy to face Roma in the Champions League. This fixture sees Mourinho reunite with yet another former club, aiming to build on their victorious UCL start and solidify their position at the top of their group.
