The reason why Mourinho is going to bench Vinicius

The start of the Brazilian's season is really bad, and the fans want him benched.

Héctor Andreu | 24 Sep 2026 | 09.15
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<p>The substitution of Vinicius is a matter of time / LaRazón</p>
<p>The substitution of Vinicius is a matter of time / LaRazón</p>

La Liga
1 X 2
Real Madrid Sevilla
18/10/26 21:00:00
1.22 6.25 10.00

Vinicius is the focus of the latest news from Real Madrid due to his poor performance, and José Mourinho substituted him early in the derby against Atlético. The Brazilian, aged 26, came out in the 54th minute with his team trailing and a man down, while Kylian Mbappé completed the match.

This situation comes just a few weeks after the club confirmed the extension of Vinicius' contract until June 30, 2032. His continuity was settled on August 6, but his performance since then has put his spot in the starting eleven under more competition.

José Mourinho maintains his trust in Vinicius

The substitution in the derby was particularly significant at that moment in the game. José Mourinho chose to withdraw Vinicius with almost the entire second half remaining and brought on Yan Diomande, even though Real Madrid needed to come back.

The numbers for the Brazilian at the Metropolitano explain part of the decision. Vinicius ended his performance without creating chances, had two shots off target, made 22 interventions, attempted only one dribble, and completed just eight passes before leaving the field.

The substitution does not imply, for now, a definitive change in the coach's stance. Mourinho still sees the forward as an important piece and is working on reviving his performance. However, his spot in the starting lineup is no longer as secure as it was in previous stages of his Madrid career.

Before the derby, Vinicius had one goal and three assists in 598 minutes this season. In the previous match against Elche, he was also substituted, that time in the 68th minute, after five shots with only one on target.

Diomande adds competition at Real Madrid

The main development for Vinicius is the growth of Yan Diomande, aged 19. The winger replaced the Brazilian against Atlético and played for 36 minutes, during which he completed four out of six dribbles, had a 90% pass accuracy, and won nine out of 12 duels.

This performance intensifies direct competition on the left flank. The acquisition from Leipzig had already shown impactful minutes against Elche, and his display in the derby provided further arguments to be included in Mourinho's plans from the start.

The debate has also reached television. Javi Balboa pointed out on El Chiringuito the lack of reaction from Vinicius after a specific loss, while Jorge D'Alessandro argued that the issues with the Brazilian should also be analyzed within the collective functioning and Mbappé's movements towards the left.

Mourinho will bench Vinicius

Vinicius has the protection of his new contract

The sporting situation does not modify the contractual bond: Vinicius is under contract until 2032, and the club finalized his extension after months of uncertainty about his future. Before the signing, Arsenal had shown interest and had held talks regarding a possible transfer, although there is no current open negotiation for his departure.

The next checkpoint will come after the international break when Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming LaLiga match against Villarreal. José Mourinho will have to decide whether to keep Vinicius in the starting lineup or reward Diomande's recent performances.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El motivo por el que Mourinho va a sentar a Vinicius