Mourinho slams bullying of Vinicius after Real Madrid's Espanyol victory

Real Madrid's campaign got off to a winning start on Saturday with a 2-1 victory at Espanyol, but the result was overshadowed by concerns over the treatment of Vinicius Jr during the match. The Brazilian winger was subjected to rough play and hostile attention throughout the contest at the Barcelona-based club's stadium.

Manager Mourinho subsequently voiced strong criticism of both the opposing players and Espanyol's supporters for what he described as bullying tactics directed at the 23-year-old. The Portuguese coach's comments highlight ongoing tensions surrounding player conduct and crowd behavior in Spanish football.

Vinicius Jr has been a key figure in Real Madrid's attacking play since joining the club and was involved in the weekend fixture despite the difficulties he faced. The incident reflects broader concerns within professional football about protecting players from excessive aggression and abusive treatment during matches.

The win gave Real Madrid a positive start to their LaLiga defense, though the circumstances surrounding the match have drawn attention to disciplinary standards in the competition. Spanish football authorities may face pressure to review incidents from the encounter.