Real Madrid edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, keeping pace with La Liga leaders Barcelona in a dramatic derby showdown.
Vinicius Junior scored twice, while Federico Valverde also netted for Los Blancos. Ademola Lookman had put Atletico ahead in the first half, and Nahuel Molina’s long-range strike briefly restored parity, but Vinicius’s second goal secured all three points for Madrid.
Valverde was sent off late in the match for a foul on Alex Baena, leaving Madrid to defend the narrow lead, but they held on for the win. The victory marked a perfect week for coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who also guided the team past Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 earlier this week.
The match started with end-to-end action. Valverde’s early burst nearly opened the scoring for Madrid, hitting the post, while Atletico’s Andriy Lunin, filling in for the injured Thibaut Courtois, made a crucial recovery after initially fumbling a Marcos Llorente strike.
Atletico took the lead in the 33rd minute with Lookman finishing off a slick move set up by Giuliano Simeone. But Madrid responded quickly in the second half: Vinicius converted a penalty in the 52nd minute after Brahim Diaz was fouled, and three minutes later Valverde struck following a mistake from Jose Gimenez.
Atletico equalised again when Molina fired a stunning long-range effort into the top corner, only for Vinicius to curl home the decisive goal after a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Brazilian now has 10 goals in his last 11 matches across all competitions, showing top form.
Madrid brought on Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé after injury layoffs, but Atletico were unable to capitalise, despite a late chance for Alexander Sorloth.
The win keeps Real Madrid just four points behind Barcelona, maintaining the pressure in the title race.
