Mbappé and Vinicius under fire from Real Madrid fans

The international break has left two names firmly in the spotlight at Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Júnior. The criticism they had already been carrying for weeks has only grown louder over these days without club matches, and Saturday's return to the Santiago Bernabéu looks like a serious test for both players. The fans, who have already whistled them at Chamartín, could once again make their displeasure known.

• Mbappé was filmed leaving a nightclub in Paris and riding a bicycle while recovering from injury.
• The Frenchman left his national team camp after being injured against Turkey and received permission from the club to rest.
• Vinicius returns from Brazil without any clear improvement: his performances remain far from his best.
• Real Madrid supporters are not only criticising Vinicius: concern over his form is starting to grow.
• Against Leganés on Saturday, the Bernabéu could once again whistle its two star forwards.

Mbappé and the controversy over his Paris break

Kylian Mbappé's situation has sparked anger mainly because of his attitude. The French striker picked up an injury during his national team's match against Turkey and returned to Madrid to undergo medical tests. Once those were completed, and with the club's approval, the player decided to take a few days off away from the Spanish capital.

What has upset a large section of Real Madrid fans are the images that have circulated in recent days: Mbappé leaving a nightclub in Paris and, later, enjoying a bike ride. For many supporters, it is hard to understand why the player did not stay at Valdebebas working on his recovery, especially at a time when the team needs its leaders on board.

The label of carelessness attached to him by some sections of the fanbase is nothing new. Since joining Real Madrid, Mbappé has had to live with the demand to show absolute commitment to the club's project. These latest images have simply added more fuel to the fire.

Vinicius, from criticism to growing concern

Vinicius' case is different. The Brazilian generates criticism, yes, but also a worry that goes beyond simple frustration. His poor run of form is not an isolated problem from a single match: it has gone on for weeks and has followed him into Brazil's camp.

He left for international duty already surrounded by doubts and has returned in the same situation, because his performances with the national team have been just as poor, if not worse, than those with Real Madrid. The overall feeling is that the winger has lost the spark and the dribbling ability that made him one of the most decisive players in the world.

What really worries Madrid supporters is the question of whether Vinicius can turn things around in a short space of time. The fixture list will not wait, and the team faces decisive weeks in the season. If his level does not improve soon, the debate around him could grow even louder.

What is at stake for Real Madrid against Leganés

On Saturday, Real Madrid host Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu. Beyond the three points, the match will gauge the mood between the stands and the team's two star forwards. Mbappé and Vinicius have already heard whistles at Chamartín this season, and there is every chance the same scene will play out again.

The game comes at a demanding point of the calendar. Every slip in LaLiga costs dearly, and the team cannot afford any more disconnects. The Bernabéu crowd, which has always prided itself on demanding the maximum, will have the chance to send a clear message to two players expected to lead the project.

The Bernabéu's role in the recovery of its stars

The white stadium has historically been a ruthless barometer. When a player underperforms or fails to transmit commitment, the crowd makes it known without hesitation. Mbappé and Vinicius are well aware of this: both have already felt the murmurs first and the whistles afterwards.

However, that same fanbase has also shown it can be a driving force for recovery when it senses real effort. The crowd's reaction to its two attacking leaders will be one of the keys to the match. A goal or a standout performance could completely change the atmosphere, but a poor start could also turn the afternoon into a very tough examination.

The pressure of being a star at Real Madrid

Wearing the white shirt means living under permanent scrutiny. Every gesture, every night out and every performance with the national team is analysed through a magnifying glass. Mbappé and Vinicius are discovering that at Real Madrid talent alone is not enough: the demands also extend to what happens off the pitch.

The international break, far from easing the tension, has intensified it. What happens on Saturday against Leganés will not only shape their immediate future in the starting eleven, but also their relationship with a crowd that has no intention of lowering its standards.