Vinícius Júnior struck twice as Real Madrid edged Atlético Madrid 3–2 in a pulsating derby on Sunday, keeping pressure on leaders FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
After the Catalan side secured a narrow 1–0 win over Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day, Madrid ensured the gap remained four points with victory at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Atlético struck first through Ademola Lookman in the opening half, but Madrid responded swiftly after the break. Vinícius converted from the spot before Federico Valverde fired the hosts ahead minutes later.
Nahuel Molina levelled with a stunning long-range effort, yet Vinícius had the final say, curling home the winner to secure all three points for Los Blancos.
Valverde was sent off late on for a foul on Álex Baena, but Madrid held firm to seal victory in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first derby in charge since taking over in January.
The win capped an excellent week for Madrid, coming days after their Champions League last-16 triumph over Manchester City.
The match itself lived up to its billing from the outset. Valverde rattled the post early on, while stand-in goalkeeper Andriy Lunin recovered quickly after spilling a drive from Marcos Llorente.
Vinícius was repeatedly denied before the breakthrough, with Giuliano Simeone producing two crucial blocks inside the six-yard box.
Atlético’s opener arrived in the 33rd minute following a slick move, as Giuliano Simeone’s backheel released Lookman to slot home.
Madrid, however, seized control early in the second half. Brahim Díaz drew a foul from David Hancko, allowing Vinícius to equalise from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute.
Just three minutes later, Valverde capitalised on a defensive error by José Giménez, bursting forward and finishing brilliantly with the outside of his boot.
Molina’s spectacular strike restored parity, but Madrid responded once more. Trent Alexander-Arnold provided the assist for Vinícius, who curled in his second to complete the scoring.
The Brazilian’s brace marked his 10th goal in 11 matches across all competitions, underlining his outstanding form.
Atlético nearly found another equaliser when Julián Álvarez struck the post, while substitute Alexander Sørloth was denied late on by Lunin.
Late introductions Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé had little impact as Madrid were forced to defend deep following Valverde’s dismissal, a decision the hosts contested in vain.
Despite late pressure, Madrid held on to claim a dramatic derby victory and keep their title pursuit firmly alive.
AFP
