José Mourinho and Kylian Mbappé defend Vinícius Júnior after Real Madrid fans whistle him in a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho and Kylian Mbappé came to Vinícius Júnior's defense after the Brazilian forward was whistled by his own fans during Wednesday's 4-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig at the Bernabéu.

Vinícius has not scored in his last nine games and has one goal and three assists in 11 appearances this season. He was taken off in the 70th minute.

"When you're whistled away from home, it's a source of motivation," Mourinho said. "When you're whistled at home, it hurts you."

"A good game for the team"

Mourinho said he liked what he saw from the winger. "Vini put in a good tactical performance. Vini defended very well," he said. "He then had a chance to score a brilliant goal, but the goalkeeper made a great save."

"I wouldn't say he's sad, that's a feeling only he can explain, but his coach is happy," Mourinho added.

Mbappé, named man of the match after setting up Madrid's second goal and scoring the third, said Vinícius' frustration shows how much he cares. "I think he just needs to stay calm and proud of who he is," Mbappé said. "A great player must always take pride in who they are and gain confidence because the quality is there."

Vinícius posted after the game: "Living in the moment. Everything passes," along with a winking emoji.

Diomande steals the show

Bernardo Silva gave Madrid a halftime lead before Arda Güler, Mbappé and Yan Diomande pulled the home side clear. Diomande, the club's record signing, replaced Vinícius and volleyed Brahim Díaz's pass into the top corner. It was his third goal in four games since his move from Leipzig worth a potential €140 million ($189 million) this summer. He also set up Mbappé's goal.

Vinícius served the first game of a four-match LaLiga ban at the weekend and will miss Sunday's Clásico in Barcelona. Mourinho said he did not bring on Diomande with that game in mind. "The intention wasn't thinking about the Clásico, it was thinking about this game," he said.

With Vinícius out of action for the next two weeks, Mourinho said the plan is simple. "Work, work. He cannot play but he can work his physique with an individualised plan." The winger has often been targeted by some Bernabéu fans over the last year, even after signing a new long-term contract in the summer.