Vinicius Junior goes scoreless again for Real Madrid in Champions League. Drought extends to 9 games

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe (left) and Vinicius Jr. (EPA-Yonhap) MADRID (AP) -- Vinicius Junior's scoring slump continued in his return to the Real Madrid lineup in the Champions League.

The Brazilian forward had an ineffective performance and couldn't find the net in Madrid's 4-1 win over Leipzig at home on Wednesday, reaching nine straight appearances without a goal for the Spanish club. "It's actually a very good thing that he's sad because it means he really cares about the team and the fans," teammate Kylian Mbappé said.

"He needs to stay calm and be proud of who he is, because a great player always has to be proud of who he is, and regain his confidence, because he has the quality." There were some boos at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium when Vinicius made a mistake while trying to make a pass to Jude Bellingham about halfway through the first half. Bellingham immediately applauded, as if asking for the crowd to get behind Vinicius.

Parts of the crowd also chanted his name at times. "Living every moment," Vinicius posted on Instagram after the match.

Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger was among those commenting on the post, saying, "We love you brother."

Vinicius was among the first players to be substituted by coach José Mourinho on Wednesday, along with Álvaro Carreras.

He appeared frustrated when he learned he was coming off, but didn't react as demonstratively as he had when substituted in the Champions League game against Roma. "I think Vini had a good game, he played well tactically," Mourinho told Movistar.

"I don't want to say that he's sad, because it's a feeling that only he can explain whether he feels it or not, but his coach is happy."