The Bernabéu, Vinicius's biggest problem: more jeers without explanation

The Santiago Bernabéu is Real Madrid's home, but it has become an uncomfortable stadium for Vinicius Júnior. The Brazilian was once again the focus of the fans' anger during the European match against Inter, a recurring episode that neither Mourinho's backing nor the club's support has managed to stop.

• The relationship between Vinicius and the Bernabéu broke down last season and keeps getting worse
• Against Inter, the Brazilian was whistled after failing in an individual action during the opening quarter of an hour
• The loudest moment of anger came in the 87th minute, when Mourinho substituted him and the stadium erupted in jeers
• Vinicius recovered nine balls against Inter, a defensive figure he had not produced since 2020
• Mourinho praised his effort and commitment and asked for respect for his player

Vinicius and the Bernabéu: another wave of jeers that keeps growing

The atmosphere against the Nerazzurri turned sour very early. The first fifteen minutes had not even passed when Vinicius failed in his first individual action, gave the ball away and was met with whistles from the stands that never stopped for the rest of the match. What began as a minority section of the stadium has spread until it has become a majority sound every time the winger touches the ball.

The most tense moment of his match came in the 87th minute. Mourinho decided to take him off and at that exact moment the Bernabéu erupted with a loud send-off full of jeers that left the fracture between the fans and the player in plain sight. Nothing he did on the pitch helped him reverse the mood of a crowd that, for now, does not seem willing to forgive him.

The paradox against Inter: defensive commitment and nine recoveries

The match against Inter produced a contradiction that is hard to explain. Vinicius has often been accused of showing little defensive involvement, of being too individualistic or of wasting clear chances. But against the Italian side his defensive performance was more than solid: he recovered nine balls, a figure he had not reached since 2020 and one that speaks of a work rate rarely seen in his career.

The Brazilian emptied himself in defensive tasks, helped his teammates in their own half and also created dangerous situations for the team. Even so, none of that prevented the Bernabéu from jeering him. In fact, the crowd treated him as if he had been missing for the entire ninety minutes, a sign that the anger goes far beyond purely footballing matters.

Mourinho defends Vinicius and asks the fans for respect

After the match, the Real Madrid coach highlighted the winger's defensive effort and his attitude throughout the game. Without directly criticising the fans, Mourinho made clear what he feels for the Brazilian player and warned that his best version is yet to come.

He deserves all my respect. He is not at his best and we can all see that. He is the first to know it and he is working very hard to be the one who decides matches. Because he is not at his best, he is working harder than ever in training and in games. When he could not defend it was due to fatigue, but he showed very good commitment in the match. I have to value that and I have a lot of respect for the Vini Jr. I have found. The moment will come when he decides matches.

The coach's words confirm the club's full support for a player who, at 24, has been dealing with an uncomfortable situation for months and which does not appear to have an immediate solution. The Real Madrid sporting management is confident that the relationship can be repaired in the medium term.

What Madrid fans demand from Vinicius: more commitment, better finishing and less individualism

The question of why the Real Madrid crowd boos Vinicius does not have a single answer. Part of the stands blame him for his lack of defensive commitment; others point to his tendency to resolve plays on his own instead of looking for the best option for the team; and plenty of others remind him of the goals he fails to score.

The problem is that, in the match against Inter, the Brazilian gave no collective reasons for that jeering. His effort was maximum and his defensive contribution was reflected in the data. And yet, the whistles did not stop. That mismatch between what is being asked of him and how his performance is being interpreted is exactly what keeps the rift at Chamartín open.

Vinicius's contract until 2032 and the future of a worn-out relationship

Vinicius Júnior has a contract with Real Madrid until 2032, a long-term deal that leaves plenty of room for the situation to stabilise or, on the contrary, to deteriorate even further. Time is on the club's side, but also on the fans' side, who will have to decide whether the Brazilian deserves to regain their trust.

Meanwhile, the Bernabéu remains a hostile setting for its own player. In the coming weeks there will be more matches at the White Coliseum and the crowd will have the chance to set the tone. The player's form and the club's management will be key to preventing this wound from opening up completely.

Frequently asked questions about the Bernabéu's jeers toward Vinicius