Real Madrid are enjoying one of their finest spells of the season. Having beaten old rivals Barcelona in the Clasico, Mourinho's side underlined their form with another big win over Racing.

They ran out 3-0 winners yesterday, with Ban Diomande starting once again and Vinicius Junior absent through suspension.

The Ivorian produced another superb display, capped by a stunning strike from the edge of the box. His numbers since the international break tell their own story: four goals and four assists in six matches.

Jorge Valdano took note. The prominent sports analyst discussed the player's rise on Movistar, highlighting how far he has come since his debut.

"Diomande has gained greater confidence in himself," the Real Madrid legend began. "He looked hesitant in the first matches."

The Argentine also turned his attention to what this strong collective run could mean for Vinicius.

"These matches are bad news for Vinicius, who will have to reclaim the place that his teammates have taken from him," Valdano said.

That verdict sums up the Brazilian's new reality. His place in the starting line-up is no longer guaranteed after the recent form of his teammates, Diomande above all.

Vinicius will therefore start on Wednesday in the Champions League against AEK Athens, then serve the final game of his suspension in La Liga against Valencia. He becomes eligible to return in domestic competition after the international break, against Celta Vigo.

Mourinho was asked about him in the press conference before the Racing match. "I admire Vinicius, and I need him, but I am not saying he will start," he said.