Vinicius Junior came under renewed criticism in Spain after failing to make an impact in Real Madrid’s 3-2 comeback victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League.
The Brazil winger started in Athens but produced another subdued performance as Real Madrid recovered from 2-1 down with 15 minutes remaining to claim victory.
It was an important opportunity for Vinicius, who had been suspended for four La Liga matches. Manager Jose Mourinho restored him to the starting XI, but the 26-year-old was unable to justify that decision with his display.
Vinicius began on the left, which moved Yan Diomande to the right. However, the former Flamengo player struggled to influence the match and was unable to create a meaningful threat. His dribbling also lacked its usual precision.
Diomande has impressed in recent matches after moving into the left-wing role, leaving Vinicius with the responsibility of proving he remained the stronger option in Athens. Unlike several of his team-mates, he had also been rested after missing Real Madrid’s recent league fixtures.
Spanish criticism intensifies
The reaction in Spain was particularly severe, with AS describing Vinicius’ performance as “appalling in the first half”. The newspaper added: “In the second half, he tried, but he did not succeed. At the moment, Diomande is far ahead of him in the starting XI.”
Jorge Valdano, the former Real Madrid player whose television analysis is usually measured, was also highly critical of Vinicius on Movistar.
“The word acceptable does not apply to a player like Vinicius,” Valdano said. “He put in little effort and rarely succeeded.”
He continued: “He produced only one good move. We remember very little from his match tonight; for a player who maintained such an exceptional level for so long, that is far too little.
“This lacklustre performance from Vinicius will not help him recover the position that Diomande has taken.”
Vinicius will be unavailable when Real Madrid face Valencia this week, but the criticism has also raised questions about whether he remains a guaranteed starter in Mourinho’s preferred line-up.
Marca wrote: “It may seem easy to point the finger at Vinicius and blame him for Real Madrid’s problems, but it is no coincidence that Mourinho’s team’s level drops when the Brazilian is on the pitch.”
The newspaper also highlighted what it viewed as a lack of defensive commitment from the winger.
Vinicius now appears to be going through a difficult period of decline. When he returns from his suspension, he is increasingly likely to find himself on the substitutes’ bench rather than in the starting XI.
The published fixture listings show Valencia against Real Madrid in La Liga on 07 November 2026. AEK Athens are listed in the Greek Super League on 08 November 2026, when Levadiakos are also named.
