A major talking point came when Jose Mourinho decided to leave the Brazilian among the substitutes against Villarreal, Real Madrid’s first match following the international break.
It marked the first occasion since April that Vinicius had been omitted from the club’s starting line-up, with Mourinho selecting Yan Diomande in his place.
“What saddens me is knowing how determined he is to return to his highest level,” Mourinho said before the game.
“He wants to be the Vini who decides matches, finds the net and has a decisive influence. It is difficult to see how much this situation hurts him. He is an exceptional person who works tirelessly to rediscover his finest form.
“He should be treated better because he has given Madrid supporters plenty of memorable moments.”
Vinicius, like several of his team-mates, has regularly faced boos and whistles from sections of the Real Madrid support this season.
After coming on in the 52nd minute, he appeared to make an instant difference by converting a Jude Bellingham assist for what Real thought was their second goal.
Vinicius ran towards the crowd and kissed the club badge before his team-mates surrounded him and celebrated together.
Mourinho also rushed across the field to take part in the celebrations, seemingly offering a visible show of support for the Brazilian.
However, a VAR intervention completely altered the situation.
After being directed to the pitchside monitor, the referee saw footage of Vinicius tugging Nathan Saliba’s hair while play continued, despite neither player being involved in a challenge for the ball.
The goal was subsequently disallowed, and Vinicius was instead dismissed with a straight red card.
His response to the ruling created an additional disciplinary concern, as his team-mates were forced to step in while he continued arguing with the officials.
Mourinho declined to address reporters after the match. Word spread through the media area that he believed speaking publicly might lead him to make remarks that could result in a suspension.
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