Mourinho and Mbappe Rally Behind Vinicius After Real Madrid Fans Boo Brazilian

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and Kylian Mbappe have come out in support of Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian was whistled by the home fans during Wednesday's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Vinicius has not scored in his last nine games for Madrid and was taken off in the 70th minute. Asked about the whistles at the Bernabeu, Mourinho said: "When you are on the pitch and you are whistled when playing away, often it's a boost to your motivation. When it's at home, it hurts."

On how the forward is feeling, the coach was careful. "Only he can say whether he feels sad, but I am pleased.

"Vini put in a good tactical performance. Vini defended very well. He then had a chance to score a brilliant goal, but the goalkeeper made a great save."

Vinicius has one goal and three assists in 11 games this season, and he has looked frustrated at times. After the game he posted on Instagram: "Living in the moment. Everything passes," with a winking emoji.

He also served the first game of a four-match La Liga ban at the weekend, so he will not play for the next 14 days. Mourinho was asked how he can find his form in that time and told TNT Sports Brazil that it comes down to work. "Work, work. He cannot play but he can work his physique with an individualised plan.

"But I was happy with his performance. Ok, he didn't score, he wasn't man of the match but he had a good game for the team."

Mbappe, who was named MVP after setting up Madrid's second goal and scoring the third, said Vinicius's time will come. "He's doing well," the Frenchman said. 

"It's good that he's upset because it means he wants to give a lot to the team and the fans. I think he just needs to stay calm and proud of who he is. A great player must always take pride in who they are and gain confidence because the quality is there."