Vinicius Junior’s Real Madrid struggles deepen after Madrid derby defeat

Real Madrid are facing a period of intense scrutiny after their 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano, with Vinicius Junior at the centre of concerns over the team’s performances and behaviour.

The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported on Tuesday that the loss had left Real Madrid in shock. The criticism surrounding the club could ease during the three-week international break, but the decline in Vinicius’ form has become one of the most pressing issues.

The Brazil forward’s display in the derby was described as catastrophic, underlining the extent of his drop in performance this season. His form and conduct are now being examined alongside those of several other players.

Vinicius was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, during the summer. He ultimately remained at Real Madrid after renewing his contract, but reports suggest that many of his team-mates had expected him to leave.

Cadena SER said that players in the Real Madrid dressing room had accepted the possibility of Vinicius departing during the most recent transfer window and were convinced that the move would happen.

“Several sources consulted by the station believe Vinicius’ crisis dates back to the summer, when many of his team-mates expected him to move to Arsenal,” Cadena SER reported.

The station added: “Contract renewal negotiations were not going well. In England, they wanted to make him the global face of the Premier League alongside Haaland, and his team-mates assumed he would leave in the summer.”

Vinicius did remain at the club, but Cadena SER said Real Madrid players believe he has become detached mentally.

“​​He did not leave, but Real Madrid’s players believe he left mentally,” the report said. “His team-mates love him in the dressing room, but it is difficult for him to regain the affection of the Bernabeu crowd.”

The report also questioned whether Vinicius’ position in the starting line-up could come under threat if his performances do not improve.

“His performances on the pitch are not improving, and the fear of being left on the bench is beginning to emerge,” it continued. “That may be the most important question after the international break: will Mourinho continue to keep Vinicius, Real Madrid’s key player over the past five years, in the starting line-up for longer, or will Diomande take his place?”