Vinicius Junior under pressure as Kylian Mbappe takes bigger role at Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior’s position at Real Madrid is coming under increasing pressure as his battle with Kylian Mbappe takes a new turn, with the France forward receiving significantly more playing time in the club’s past three matches.

The Brazilian winger’s reduced involvement has coincided with a slow start to the season in front of goal. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Vinicius was substituted in each of Real Madrid’s last three games – in the 87th minute against Inter, the 89th minute against Rayo Vallecano and the 68th minute against Elche.

The pattern represents a gradual change in manager Jose Mourinho’s approach compared with the opening weeks of the campaign.

Mourinho initially sought to maintain a clear balance between Vinicius and Mbappe. Both players started Real Madrid’s first four matches, against Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Malaga and Real Betis, and the difference between their playing time was no more than six minutes.

That balance has shifted in recent games. Mbappe has played 630 minutes, compared with 598 for Vinicius, while the Frenchman has completed six matches in full and the Brazilian has done so three times.

Mbappe’s increased involvement has been supported by a strong goalscoring start. He has scored eight goals in seven matches, whereas Vinicius has one goal and three assists. The Brazilian has also won a penalty during the campaign, against Real Betis.

Competition for Vinicius’ position is also growing. Brahim Diaz and Espe have impressed, while Diomande has now entered the contest for a place in the team. Their form gives Mourinho additional choices and makes it more difficult to preserve an equal share of playing time between Real Madrid’s two prominent forwards.

Despite the change in minutes, Marca does not consider the situation to have reached the crisis seen last season between Vinicius and Xabi Alonso, when the player was repeatedly substituted. Vinicius remains an important part of Mourinho’s plans and is still a regular starter.

The newspaper also points to a recurring pattern in the relationship between the two players. In previous seasons, one has often excelled during periods when the other’s performances have declined.

Vinicius struggled during the first half of last season, while Mbappe was producing his best form. The balance later changed, with Vinicius improving and Mbappe’s output falling.

This season, however, Mbappe has again established himself strongly at the start of the campaign, while Vinicius continues to search for his best form. That difference has gradually been reflected in the distribution of minutes and appearances between the pair.