Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in their UEFA Champions League opening fixture on September 11, 2026. Despite a difficult performance and mounting hostility from home supporters toward Vinícius Junior, manager José Mourinho strongly defended the Brazilian forward, vowing to keep him in the starting lineup.
A Chaotic Night at the Bernabéu and New UEFA Regulations
The opening fixture of the European campaign delivered a frantic encounter on the pitch, but it also brought the newly implemented UEFA and IFAB rules for the 2026-27 season into sharp focus. Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, though the match proved far from straightforward for the home side.
Manager José Mourinho candidly acknowledged that his team did not deliver a good performance during the opening round of the league phase. The Portuguese coach opted to describe the affair as a crazy match, pointing out that defensive errors and missed counter-attacks could easily have left the scoreline looking much different.
Amid the tactical chaos, the game provided the first competitive test of the new UEFA substitution guidelines designed to reduce time-wasting. When Vinícius Junior was called to the bench in the closing minutes, he took roughly 18 seconds to leave the field, overstepping the mandated 10-second limit. Under the updated regulations, the infraction forced Real Madrid to play a man down for nearly three minutes while replacement Álvaro Carreras was held on the sideline by match officials.
Hostile Crowds and Defensive Work Rate
While the tactical adjustments created drama on the touchline, the atmosphere in the stands turned sharply against Vinícius Junior. Sinks of hostility broke out in the higher tiers of the stadium, where a portion of the home crowd targeted the Brazilian winger with boos and insults from the opening whistle onwards.
The harsh reception contrasted sharply with the forward’s actual output on the pitch. While his attacking efficiency remained below expectations, the player logged an immense defensive shift, recording nine ball recoveries and sprinting relentlessly along the left flank to manage Inter’s wing-back system.
Mourinho stepped up immediately after the final whistle to shield his player from the criticism. Addressing the media in his post-match press conference, the manager emphasized that physical exhaustion explained any temporary lapses in tracking back.
He is not at his best level, and he knows it. But he works hard to be the Vinicius who makes matches tip in our favour. Without being at his best level, he works harder than ever. José Mourinho, Real Madrid manager, via Goal.com
Locker Room Concerns and Directional Support
The tension surrounding the forward extended into the internal ranks of the club. Immediately following the match, a senior squad member approached José Mourinho to express deep concern over the hostility directed at his teammate, questioning how a player who has given so much to the club could face such treatment.
Mourinho and his coaching staff acknowledged the worries, aligning completely with the club hierarchy. Real Madrid officials remain firmly behind the player, viewing his recent contract extension secured until 2032 as a foundational long-term commitment rather than a ceremonial gesture. At just 26 years old, the club expects him to anchor the sporting project for years to come.
Tactical Demands Against Inter Milan
Analysing the structural challenges of the fixture, Mourinho pointed out the difficulties posed by Inter’s formation. Facing an opponent utilizing a three-man defensive block alongside active wing-backs places immense strain on wide attackers.
If he works, he will always have my support. He worked enormously for the team. Playing against a team that plays with three defenders, with wing-backs, is very hard for wingers. José Mourinho, Real Madrid manager, via Goal.com
The tactical setup prevented Vinícius from finding clean one-on-one opportunities on the left wing, but Mourinho praised the forward’s total commitment. The manager noted that a fully sharp Vinícius would have killed the match during those transitional moments, yet maintained absolute faith in his eventual return to peak form.
Looking Ahead to the Rayo Vallecano Test
With the Champions League opening hurdle cleared, Real Madrid faces an immediate test of squad stability as they prepare for this weekend’s fixture. Mourinho has already made his stance clear regarding the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano, refusing to yield to public pressure or outside criticism.
The manager’s backing is unequivocal: Vinícius Junior will retain his place in the starting lineup without hesitation. Whether the home support at the Bernabéu adjusts its reception or whether the forward can rediscover his clinical finishing remains the defining question for Madrid as the autumn schedule intensifies.
