José Mourinho admitted Vinícius Júnior "isn't at his best," but praised the forward's work rate after he was whistled by fans at the Bernabéu during Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League win over Inter on Tuesday. Vinícius was substituted in the 87th minute as goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde secured three points in Madrid's first European game of the campaign. The Brazil international signed a new long-term contract this summer after a difficult 2025-26 season.

"He isn't at his best, and he knows it," Mourinho said. "But he's working hard to be the Vinícius who decides games. Without being at his best, he's working harder than ever." Mourinho also praised Trent Alexander-Arnold, who played out of position in central midfield with Madrid without Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga through suspension.

In five appearances this season, Vinícius has scored one goal and provided two assists but was unable to provide a cutting edge against Inter. Mourinho said: "The time will come when he decides games and wins us games."