A controversial debut marked by diving 

The official debut of Jose Mourinho's second stint in charge of Real Madrid in LaLiga ended with an agonizing 1-2 victory over Espanyol. However, the important away win was completely overshadowed by the questionable and combative attitude of Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian forward, recently secured by the board with a contract renewal until 2032, starred in multiple exaggerated falls inside the opposition box. His constant attempts to deceive the referee by simulating non-existent contact unnecessarily heated tempers on the RCDE Stadium pitch.

Despite his controversial 'dives' and excessive complaints throughout the match, the Merengue outfit managed to rescue all three points. Timely goals from Jude Bellingham and youngster Carlos Espí served to secure the final victory, although they failed to divert media attention from the attacker's embarrassing spectacle.

Santi Cañizares' harsh verdict 

The Madrid winger's provocative attitude exhausted the patience of both friends and foes in the Spanish football environment. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Cañizares held nothing back and launched a scathing critique regarding the player's true reputation in the European market due to his behavior.

"There has been a debate this summer. He had one year left on his contract and either you sell him or you don't. Do you know what happened? The fact is that nobody wants him," Cañizares declared in his analysis, making it clear that the South American's constant controversies deter any European giant interested in his services.

A renewal due to a lack of alternatives 

Delving deeper into his harsh speech, the former player assured that the attacker's contract extension was more of an obligation for the white board than a masterstroke in the market. He argued that elite clubs flee from these types of conflictive profiles when weighing what he brings sporting-wise against what he takes away with his indiscipline.

"Nobody wants a player like that in their club. And I believe he hasn't had any offers. Real Madrid has been in the need to renew him because no team has contacted him... Well yes, a lesser team might want him... Newcastle," the former Spanish national team goalkeeper finished ironically.

Espanyol's official mockery on social media 

The outrage over the repetitive simulations was not limited to the sports press microphones. From Espanyol's official X account, the 'Periquitos' launched a brutal and sarcastic dig at the Madrid attacker, who fell in the box a couple of times looking for a penalty based on deception.

"How many swimming pools does it take to get a second yellow card? Asking for a friend," the Catalan outfit posted. This institutional anger was backed by the home players and coaching staff, who complained at the end of the clash that the referee was excessively lenient in sparing him a clear sending-off.

The 3 keys to the Vinicius scandal

• Constant simulations: The Brazilian was the absolute target of criticism for faking fouls and diving in the box trying to deceive the referee.
• Rejection in the market: Santi Cañizares stated that no elite European club wants to sign him due to his terrible attitude, forcing Madrid to keep him.
• Rival indignation: Espanyol used its official social networks to mock the forward's "swimming pools," backing their players who demanded a red card.

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