Mourinho urges Vinicius to control emotions after 2-1 LaLiga win

Real Madrid opened their 2026/27 LaLiga campaign with a 2-1 victory over Espanyol on Saturday. The result also marked Jose Mourinho’s first competitive match since beginning his second spell in charge, with the manager urging Vinicius Jr to manage his emotions more carefully.

The Brazilian winger was booked in the first half after an argument with Espanyol midfielder Cala. Mourinho said Vinicius had given opponents a reason to provoke him, despite also claiming that the forward is repeatedly targeted by players from the opening minute of matches.

Vinicius was fouled eight times during the physical encounter, and Mourinho described the treatment as a repeated pattern. He said opponents take turns challenging the winger, with one player replaced by another when a booking makes continued fouling more difficult.

Mourinho said Vinicius is not without responsibility for the situations that follow those challenges. The 63-year-old manager believes the forward must develop a high level of emotional control so opponents cannot use his reactions against him, particularly in matches where tensions can spread to the stands.

The coach also spoke to Vinicius at half-time about how his conduct could affect his time on the pitch. Mourinho warned him to think carefully about any goal celebration, saying an unnecessary reaction could make it harder to keep him involved for the full match.

Mourinho’s defence of the winger comes despite his previous criticism of Vinicius when he was coaching Benfica. He acknowledged that his earlier comments could be revisited now that the Brazilian is his player. He also referred to the wider abuse Vinicius has faced during his eight years at Real Madrid, including an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni, who denied an allegation of racial abuse. Real Madrid’s three opening points leave the team turning to their next LaLiga fixture against Real Sociedad, while Mourinho’s immediate focus is keeping Vinicius available and composed.