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Mourinho Says Vinicius Bullied After Espanyol Win

8/23/2026

Summary

Mourinho Warns Vinicius

Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said Vinicius Junior is being bullied in the opening La Liga match.
Mourinho warned Vinicius to keep control and celebrate goals carefully after a first-half altercation.
He described opponents fouling Vinicius from the first minute despite society’s anti-bullying stance.
Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium on August 22, 2026.
Jude Bellingham scored early and provided the assist for Carlos Espi’s 90th-minute winner.

Summary

Mourinho Tests Leak

Mourinho revealed his Espanyol XI before the match to test how fast the lineup leaks.
He joked journalists would scramble for the lineup and used the leak as a probe.
Mourinho said he feels “adrenaline” not pressure in his stint, stressing results over expectations.
He started Cucurella, Dumfries and Silva, marking the first triple debut since 2009.
Yan Diomande, the €125 million (€146 million) signing, entered in the 64th minute for Güler.

History

Historical Context

Since Michel Platini became UEFA president in 2007, the body—overseeing 55 national associations and competitions such as the Champions League—has repeatedly used sanctions and new rules to curb misconduct, exemplified by its 2022 suspension of Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Mourinho’s 2026 warning to Real Madrid about Vinícius Júnior therefore follows UEFA’s established disciplinary precedent.

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Mourinho Warns Vinicius

Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said Vinicius Junior is being bullied in the opening La Liga match.
Mourinho warned Vinicius to keep control and celebrate goals carefully after a first-half altercation.
He described opponents fouling Vinicius from the first minute despite society’s anti-bullying stance.
Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium on August 22, 2026.
Jude Bellingham scored early and provided the assist for Carlos Espi’s 90th-minute winner.

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