According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid won all three of their matches in August, with Mbappe and Bellingham being the biggest highlights. The Frenchman scored 4 goals in 3 games, while the Englishman contributed 2 goals and 2 assists, far exceeding expectations.
Currently, Mbappe's "M" and Bellingham's "B" are shining, but Vinicius's corresponding "V" isn't as bright. The Brazilian still lags behind his two teammates. Although he has scored and assisted in these three games, his form is indeed not as good as Mbappe and Bellingham, especially in terms of dribbling and passing. He has always worked hard and never shied away from physical confrontations, but he is no longer the player who can easily and frequently create threats by breaking through down the flanks.
Despite Vinicius's efforts, the Bernabéu fans are not exactly forgiving. Last season, he was booed in almost every match; the same thing happened in the home game against Real Sociedad this season. That match was Real Madrid's first home game at the Bernabéu this season. The fans initially welcomed him with enthusiastic applause, but then, due to what happened on the field, they booed him and the entire team. Mourinho doesn't entirely object to the boos from the stands. In the post-match press conference at the Bernabéu, he said, "The high expectations are due to the history of this club. Real Madrid has always had great players and teams, but the fans want more. Being a fan is different from being a player or coach." He also spoke about Real Madrid fans, saying, "They can, and are willing to, spend money to experience joy and frustration. The reason we are standing here is because we have the ability to remain calm in the face of difficulties." After Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, he was seen on the sidelines constantly looking after and encouraging Vinicius, a scene repeated in almost every match.
Mourinho had already spoken out for the Brazilian player after the match against Espanyol, and he will continue to do so whenever Vinicius causes controversy. Mourinho's attitude has also changed: he criticized the Real Madrid player's celebration when he was coaching Benfica, but now he says, "Now, Vinicius is mine." Mourinho believes Vinicius will regain his best form because once he returns to that level, the team will be much stronger. Meanwhile, Vinicius is finding his best rhythm match by match, a form he didn't bring with him when he joined Real Madrid after the World Cup.
