In matchday two of the UEFA Champions League league phase, Real Madrid staged a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma. Vinicius Junior struggled throughout the encounter and was taken off in the 59th minute.
According to pitchside footage, after Real Madrid conceded again in the 58th minute to fall 1-3 behind AS Roma, Mourinho promptly opted for tactical substitutions. Upon realizing he was being replaced, Vinicius appeared visibly displeased and walked off the pitch with zero interaction with Mourinho on the touchline.
Furthermore, Spanish media reported that as Vinicius walked off, he threw his arms up in frustration toward the assistant coach, demanding: "Why me?" Even after returning to the substitutes' bench, he continued muttering complaints.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the final whistle, he candidly admitted that he had been somewhat irritated with Mourinho in the heat of the moment.
Reporter: “Mourinho mentioned that seeing how desperate you were to contribute, even when not at your best, made his heart ache for you...”
Vinicius Junior: "Yes, our relationship is very good, and he is always completely direct with me. To be honest, I was indeed a bit annoyed with him when I came off today, but in the end, he was proven right: the team transformed and played much better. And that is what matters most."
