Real Madrid supporters have issued a stern warning to manager Jose Mourinho concerning the recent performances of forward Vinicius Junior. While the club successfully navigated a narrow 3-2 victory against Elche at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, the Brazilian’s lackluster outing ignited a wave of fan frustration on social media.
The match marked three consecutive wins for Real Madrid across LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League, moving the side level on points with current league leaders Barcelona, who hold a game in hand. Despite maintaining a record of six wins in seven matches, Mourinho’s team has faced scrutiny for inconsistent performances. Fans were particularly vocal about Vinicius Junior, with one user declaring that the manager must bench the winger or risk losing his job.
Critics did not hold back in their assessment of the 68 minutes the forward spent on the pitch before being replaced by Brahim Diaz. One supporter claimed the player is no longer performing as a professional footballer, while others suggested he is currently playing against his own side and is nowhere near his previous form. Another commentator remarked that the forward should be ashamed of his display during the fixture.
Statistical analysis highlights the struggles of the Brazilian during the match. While he attempted five shots—the most of any player on the field—only one was on target. He failed to complete a single cross or dribble, finished with a 76% pass completion rate, and missed two major opportunities. Additionally, he won only 44% of his duels, although he did contribute defensively with one tackle and three ball recoveries.
The match itself proved to be a difficult test for the visitors. Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 25th minute when an Arda Guler free-kick deflected off Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro. Eight minutes later, Kylian Mbappe extended the lead to 2-0 following an assist from club-record signing Yan Diomande. However, Elche responded in the second half, with Abiel Osorio heading home in the 71st minute before Fer Nino equalized in the 83rd minute.
Ultimately, it was Carlos Espi who secured the victory for Real Madrid. The young Spanish striker tapped in the decisive goal after Mbappe bypassed the Elche defense and squared the ball across the box. Although the squad appears committed to Mourinho’s tactical vision, the ongoing struggle for form among key attackers like Vinicius Junior remains a significant point of concern for the fanbase. The report also notes that he’s going to lose his job” – Real Madrid fans send message to Mourinho about star after 3-2 Elche win, if he doesn’t bench him soon. The report also notes that created one chance, and missed two big chances, he completed 76% of his passes.
