Mourinho Backs Vinicius After Bernabeu Boos in Inter Win
Jose Mourinho has backed Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid forward was whistled by home supporters during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League win over Inter, insisting the Brazilian’s effort for the team remains beyond question.
Vinicius was taken off in the 87th minute at the Bernabeu after an ineffective evening against Inter’s disciplined defence, prompting a hostile reaction from sections of the crowd. Mourinho accepted that the 25-year-old is below his usual level but said fatigue, rather than a lack of commitment, explained moments when he could not track back.
“He knows he is not playing at his best,” Mourinho said. “But he is doing everything he can to become the Vinicius who wins matches. Even without his best form, he is working more than ever.”
Mourinho said he particularly valued the winger’s defensive contribution and remains convinced the decisive version of Vinicius will return. He added that facing a team using a back three and wing-backs made the task especially demanding for Madrid’s wide attackers.
Inter’s shape limited the space on the left where Vinicius usually thrives. Mourinho admitted that a sharper Vinicius would have been expected to finish the game through his one-on-one opportunities, but stressed that the player “gave everything” for the side.
Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored the goals as Madrid began their Champions League league-phase campaign with three points. Yet Vinicius’ late exit was the main talking point inside the stadium, extending a difficult spell between the Brazil international and a demanding Bernabeu crowd.
After regular criticism throughout the 2025-26 campaign, Vinicius committed his future to Madrid during the summer. His opening five appearances of the new season have brought one goal and two assists, a modest return by his standards.
Alexander-Arnold praised after midfield role
Mourinho also had to reshuffle his side against Inter because Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga were unavailable through suspension. Trent Alexander-Arnold was moved into central midfield, a role Mourinho said posed very different physical and positional demands from playing at full-back.
The Madrid manager acknowledged that Alexander-Arnold lost possession on occasions, explaining that operating in midfield changes a player’s picture of the pitch: instead of having play largely ahead of him, there is pressure and space on both sides. Mourinho noted that the England international has featured there for Liverpool and his national team before, but said he had reached his limit in the circumstances.
Madrid return to La Liga on Saturday when Rayo Vallecano visit for a Madrid derby, giving Vinicius an immediate chance to answer the reaction from the stands. The Champions League will then pause for the international break before Mourinho’s team travel to Rome to face Roma, another of the Portuguese coach’s former clubs, in their next European assignment.
