José Mourinho Reacts to Real Madrid’s Comeback Win Over AEK Athens in UEFA Champions League: “Vinícius Had a Very Acceptable Game. Not an Extraordinary One”
The Merengues manager spoke candidly about the Brazilian's performance, praised the Englishman's talent and explained the key factors behind a dramatic comeback capped by a spectacular finish.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho praised his team's resilience after their comeback victory over AEK Athens (3-2) in Greece in the UEFA Champions League, while also addressing Vinícius Jr.'s performance and highlighting Jude Bellingham's unique qualities.
The Portuguese coach defended the Brazilian forward, describing his display as solid rather than exceptional, and made it clear that the team as a whole had also faced a difficult night.
MOURINHO DEFENDS VINÍCIUS' PERFORMANCE
Vinícius was one of the main talking points during Mourinho's post-match press conference. The manager backed the Brazilian after questions were raised about his performance and involvement in the game.
"Vinícius had a very acceptable game. Not an extraordinary one, but the team didn't have an extraordinary performance either. It was a difficult, serious match, and Vinícius did his job very well," Mourinho explained.
The Portuguese manager also clarified that Yan Diomande's switch to the opposite flank was not related to Vinícius' position.
"Diomande is coming to Real Madrid to be a player who can play on both wings, not just one. He doesn't mind playing on the right or the left," he said.
Mourinho also explained his decision to keep Vinícius on the pitch while making other substitutions, taking Real Madrid's upcoming LaLiga fixture against Valencia into consideration.
"When making the substitutions, I was also thinking about Saturday's match," he added.
"THERE IS NO MIDFIELDER LIKE BELLINGHAM"
Mourinho also had high praise for Jude Bellingham, who once again played an important role in Real Madrid's attacking performance.
Asked about the England international's level, the manager delivered a strong assessment.
"He is a unique player. There is no midfielder in today's game like Jude, someone who has every attribute," Mourinho said.
He also highlighted the qualities Bellingham brings even when he is not at his best.
"Even when he doesn't have a great game, he always brings work rate, leadership, ambition, quality and a goal threat. He is an extraordinary player," he added.
MOURINHO PRAISES REAL MADRID'S FIGHTING SPIRIT
Reflecting on the comeback, Mourinho acknowledged how difficult the match had been and praised his players for responding after falling behind twice.
"In both critical moments, at 1-0 and 2-1, we knew how to react, show personality and believe in our chances," he explained.
Real Madrid eventually completed the comeback with a spectacular stoppage-time goal from Fede Valverde, following earlier strikes from Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé.
"It gives me a fantastic feeling when you win games at the end. When that happens, there is always a sense of luck, but in this match, during the final minutes, only we could win it," Mourinho concluded.
With this result, Real Madrid reached 12 points in the UEFA Champions League league phase, maintained their perfect record and took another important step toward securing a direct place in the Round of 16 without having to go through the knockout phase play-offs.
MOURINHO SPEAKS ABOUT VINÍCIUS, BELLINGHAM AND REAL MADRID'S COMEBACK
- VINÍCIUS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Mourinho described the Brazilian's performance as "very acceptable," but made it clear that it was not extraordinary.
- PRAISE FOR BELLINGHAM: The manager said there is no other midfielder like the Englishman in today's game, highlighting his qualities, leadership and goal-scoring ability.
- A COMEBACK BUILT ON CHARACTER: The Portuguese coach praised Real Madrid's personality and resilience after coming from behind twice to secure a late victory against AEK Athens.
José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix
Real Madrid CF
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
Real Madrid CF
