# Real Madrid response to Vinícius Júnior treatment > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrid-response-to-vincius-jnior-treatment > Updated: 2026-09-09T07:01:53.000Z. Sources: 88. Developments: 7. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho continues to advocate for increased protection for Vinícius Júnior, arguing the winger is being unfairly targeted by both opponents and fans. Mourinho maintains that referees are failing to intervene early enough to prevent physical and verbal aggression, a sentiment supported by club data suggesting Vinícius requires significantly more fouls to receive a yellow card than other top players like Lamine Yamal. Despite his contract extension through 2032, scrutiny has intensified regarding the player’s declining on-field impact. Journalist Miguel Serrano has criticized Vinícius’s performance, noting a decrease in sprinting and dribbling efficiency, while suggesting Mourinho should stop treating certain players as ‘untouchables’. Tensions between the player and supporters resurfaced during a 2-1 Champions League victory against Inter Milan, where Vinícius was met with jeers from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. Following this criticism, Mourinho has doubled down on his support. Ahead of a match against Rayo Vallecano, he used a Portuguese proverb to contextualize the scrutiny, stating, “People only throw stones at trees that bear fruit,” referencing the player’s history of winning multiple Champions League titles. While acknowledging that Vinícius has not yet reached his peak form, Mourinho highlighted improvements in defensive statistics, such as ball recoveries. Addressing the tactical balance of a star-studded attack including Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, Mourinho praised Mbappé’s defensive work rate. This comes amid previous reports of internal friction regarding the tactical freedom granted to other players and Vinícius’s perceived desire for similar defensive privileges. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: José Mourinho defends Vinícius Júnior amid Real Madrid fan criticism José Mourinho has defended Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior against fan criticism, praising his defensive work and predicting a return to peak offensive form following a Champions League win over Inter Milan. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vincius-jnior-defended-by-mourinho-after-real-madrid-fans-jeer ### 2026-09-09: Vinícius Júnior faces internal tension at Real Madrid Real Madrid faces potential dressing room tension as Vinícius Júnior reportedly feels sidelined by the prominence of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé under manager José Mourinho. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vincius-jnior-faces-internal-tension-at-real-madrid ### 2026-09-06: Vinicius Junior faces criticism over declining Real Madrid form Journalist Miguel Serrano has criticized Vinicius Junior’s declining form at Real Madrid, calling on José Mourinho to bench the Brazilian player if his performance does not improve. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vinicius-junior-faces-criticism-over-declining-real-madrid-form ### 2026-09-05: José Mourinho addresses past rivalries and Vinícius Júnior relationship José Mourinho has expressed regret over past remarks toward Manuel Pellegrini and held a personal meeting with Vinícius Júnior to help repair the player's relationship with Real Madrid fans. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jos-mourinho-addresses-past-rivalries-and-vincius-jnior-relationship ### 2026-08-25: Vinícius Júnior targeted unfairly, Mourinho says Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is demanding better protection for Vinícius Júnior, citing unfair targeting by opponents and a lack of decisive officiating during La Liga matches. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-and-mourinho-implement-strategy-to-protect-vinicius-junior ### 2026-08-25: Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad in Mourinho’s Bernabéu debut Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu for José Mourinho’s first home league test, while Al-Hilal prepares for a tactical shift under coach Simone Inzaghi. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vinicius-junior-faces-ongoing-racial-abuse-in-la-liga ### 2026-08-22: José Mourinho defends Vinícius Júnior against allegations of bullying Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has accused rival teams and fans of “bullying” Vinícius Júnior following the player's difficult experience during a La Liga match against Espanyol. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jos-mourinho-defends-vincius-jnior-after-espanyol-match-incidents --- Cite as: Real Madrid response to Vinícius Júnior treatment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrid-response-to-vincius-jnior-treatment