Mestalla shows Diomande outplaying Vinicius under Mourinho

At the Mestalla, Diomande showed great calm and naturalness, while José Mourinho's team demonstrated that without the Brazilian winger it is rounder and more cohesive. Without the number 7, who yesterday served his fourth and final suspension match after the red card against Villarreal, Real Madrid dominated a desperate and over‑excited Valencia.

Mourinho consolidates his eleven

The win left the LaLiga standings updated after Madrid's victory at the Mestalla. Vinicius's return, also called Vini, after the international break will be the first fire test for Mourinho's management. According to the EFE agency, journalist Pepe Gil-Vernet noted that there are no footballing reasons for the Portuguese coach to keep Vinicius untouchable at the expense of curbing Diomande's expansion.

The contrast between Diomande's great form and Vinicius's prolonged slump was evident in the performance of the coastal‑born player on the hostile Mestalla stage. While Vinicius is surrounded by quarrels, spats and clashes with opponents, fans and referees, Diomande exudes serenity and emotional control. Real Madrid also had Pablo Maffeo as a marker, a historic rival of Vinicius since his days at Mallorca.

Real Madrid secures win at Mestalla against Valencia

Diomande always kept his emotions under control and dodged any confrontation, despite Valencia players being agitated all night. Without Vinicius as a target, the Mestalla crowd directed its chants at its own players, officials and also at Mbappé, whom they labeled a “beach ball” after provoking Gayà's dismissal.

The Javier Aguirre effect has faded, the team is not stalling and the relegation threat is a reality. For Mourinho's Madrid, and without Vini, it was another day at the office.