Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has revealed that his decision to substitute Vinícius Júnior during the 4–1 win over Real Sociedad was not a tactical move, but a calculated step designed to let the player hear the support of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd.
Vinícius delivered a strong performance, creating several dangerous opportunities and combining effectively with Kylian Mbappé. He scored from a Jude Bellingham pass and then assisted the French star’s third goal as Mbappé completed his first hat-trick of the season.
Mourinho withdrew the Brazilian winger in the 84th minute and introduced Ivorian attacker Yan Diomande. Vinícius left the pitch to applause, exchanged jokes with his coach and sat on the bench smiling.
The scene contrasted sharply with last season, when Vinícius was booed by sections of the Real Madrid support and appeared angry on more than one occasion after being substituted. Against Sociedad, he left happy with his goal and with the way Mourinho handled the moment.
Mourinho said: ‘I know Vinícius was booed by the fans last season, so I decided to take him off after he scored and let him hear the love and appreciation from the stands.’
The Portuguese coach added: ‘I would never have taken Vinícius off without the goal and without that positive feeling. I thought substituting him after the goal would be good, so he could feel the supporters’ backing.’
He continued: ‘We speak the same language, so it is easier for us to joke. He also needed a little rest because we have another match in three days.’
Real Madrid collected their second consecutive league victory after turning a half-time draw into a convincing win through Mbappé’s hat-trick and Vinícius’s goal, taking their tally to a perfect six points.
Madrid host Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, 30 August, in the third round of La Liga. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Spain and 6:00 p.m. in Cairo.
