Why was Vinícius Júnior left out of Real Madrid’s starting XI against Villarreal?

Vinícius Júnior was not listed in Real Madrid’s starting XI against Villarreal. He was included among the substitutes instead.
Why was Vinícius Júnior left out?
The confirmed reason from the available report is that José Mourinho chose to start the match without Vinícius Júnior after Real Madrid returned from the September-October international break.
The report does not say that Vinícius was unavailable, injured, or suspended. It only confirms the lineup decision: he began the match on the bench.
What changed in the Real Madrid Villarreal lineup?
Kylian Mbappé started up front for Real Madrid. The report also described Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté as fit after earlier injury concerns.
That made the decision notable because Real Madrid were coming back from a Madrid derby defeat and looking for a response.
What to check next
Lineups can change quickly around matchday. For the latest team news, check Real Madrid’s official match materials or the latest club announcement before kickoff.
Who started in attack for Real Madrid instead of Vinícius Júnior against Villarreal?

Real Madrid’s listed lineup against Villarreal had Vinícius Júnior among the substitutes, not in the starting XI.
Who started in attack?
Kylian Mbappé started up front for Real Madrid against Villarreal.
The available report names Mbappé as the forward selected to start while Vinícius Júnior was placed on the bench.
Why that mattered
The selection stood out because Real Madrid were returning from the September-October international break and trying to respond after a Madrid derby defeat.
The report also said Mbappé was fit after earlier injury concerns, which helps explain why his inclusion in the starting lineup was possible.
Quick lineup takeaway
- Vinícius Júnior: listed among the substitutes
- Kylian Mbappé: started up front
- Ibrahima Konaté: described as fit after an earlier injury concern
Match squads can still be updated in official channels, so check the club’s latest lineup post if you need the final confirmed team sheet.
Was Vinícius Júnior available as a substitute for Real Madrid against Villarreal?

Vinícius Júnior was not absent from Real Madrid’s squad against Villarreal. He was named among the substitutes.
Was Vinícius Júnior available?
Yes, based on the listed lineup in the available report, Vinícius Júnior was available as a substitute for Real Madrid against Villarreal.
That means the confirmed issue was not a full squad absence. He simply was not selected to start.
What is confirmed about his role?
The report confirms three practical points:
- Vinícius Júnior was not in the starting XI.
- He was included on the substitutes list.
- José Mourinho chose to bench him for Real Madrid’s return from the September-October international break.
The report does not confirm a separate injury or suspension reason for Vinícius.
What to watch before kickoff
If you are checking whether he might play, the key thing is the official matchday squad and substitution updates. The available report confirms bench availability, but only official live match information can confirm whether he enters the game.
Sources / Learn more
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