Cañizares slams Vinicius form and Diomande fee after Madrid derby loss

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares criticized Vinicius Jr., Marc Cucurella and the club's transfer spending after the defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid have lost two of their first seven La Liga matches this season, falling to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, and now sit fourth in the table. Barcelona, by contrast, have won every game and hold a six-point advantage at the top, increasing the pressure on Jose Mourinho's squad early in the campaign.

The derby defeat to Atletico prompted criticism from former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares, speaking on COPE. He targeted Vinicius Jr., now one of the club's captains, saying the Brazilian "takes much more away than he gives" at the moment.

Cañizares also questioned the form of summer signing Marc Cucurella, arguing the left-back has not matched the level he showed with Spain. He stressed he was not doubting the defender's ability, only his current performances.

On refereeing, Cañizares backed Mourinho's complaints, saying the official did not help Real Madrid and referenced two challenges that could have brought red cards. But he also pointed to broader planning issues, including the failed pursuit of Rodri, the renewal of Vinicius and the fee for Yan Diomande, which exceeded €140 million.

Cañizares called Diomande a good player but said the club paid twice his worth, suggesting the price was tied to negotiations with Vinicius' representatives.