Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said Vinícius Júnior has improved but believes his best is still to come. The Brazilian was booed by fans after a 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan, with only one goal in five games this season.

"There's a Portuguese proverb that you only throw stones at trees that have fruit," Mourinho said. "What Vini has done here... His achievements speak for themselves. He's a tree bearing plenty of fruit... And the best Vinícius is yet to come." Mourinho recalled Vinícius' performance against Benfica last season, saying "That Vinícius is yet to come." He noted Vinícius is close to top speed, breaking records for high-intensity runs and balls won back.

Mourinho stressed fans must support the team. "It makes me sad when they whistle... when there's a bond between the team and the stadium, it's almost unbeatable." He agreed with Kylian Mbappé that a player who scores goals isn't a problem. "Mbappé is also a tree that has plenty of fruit." Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis.