Vinicius starts on the bench, answering a long-standing fan demand

For Real Madrid-Villarreal, played tonight at the Bernabéu, Mourinho has decided to leave Vinicius on the bench. The decision answers a long-standing demand from some Real Madrid supporters, who wanted him to begin a match as a substitute. Diomande takes his place on the left flank.

The last time Vinicius began a Real Madrid match on the bench was April 4. The club faced Mallorca that day and lost 2-1. Since then, the forward had started 17 consecutive matches for Real Madrid in LaLiga and the Champions, up to this game.

Mourinho had previously defended the Brazilian against criticism and whistles from supporters during an appearance at Valdebebas. “He deserves to be helped. He wants so much to be the Vini who brought the supporters so much joy,” he said. The decision to bench him comes after a run of starts, following the coach’s public show of support for the player.