Vinicius emerged as the pivotal contributor.
Vinicius Junior netted a match-deciding brace as a 10-man Real Madrid side clung on to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the derby, consequently reducing the gap to LaLiga leaders Barcelona back to four points.
Earlier on Sunday, Barca had defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0, extending their lead to seven points. This meant Madrid needed to display considerable resilience to avert a major setback in the championship race against their fierce rivals.
Despite their initial dominance, Madrid found themselves trailing due to Ademola Lookman’s 33rd-minute strike. However, the disadvantage was nullified just seven minutes into the second half by a Vinicius spot-kick.
Federico Valverde then made it 2-1 before a stunning goal, a contender for goal of the season, from Nahuel Molina brought Atletico level. Yet, his breathtaking effort would ultimately prove futile.
Vinicius secured his fourth goal in two games with an impressive second, but Madrid were compelled to hang on after Valverde was controversially dismissed 13 minutes before the conclusion of regular time.
Nevertheless, Atletico couldn’t find a way to score a third time. This meant Madrid claimed the derby bragging rights, avenging a 5-2 defeat at the Metropolitano earlier in the season with a win that ensures Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad can enter the International break still harboring aspirations of overtaking Barca.
Lookman Amazes Bernabeu
Madrid initiated the proceedings with a rapid pace; Dani Carvajal’s volley prompted an excellent save from Juan Musso, prior to Federico Valverde surging in from the right flank and hitting the post with an unerring shot.
The home side was almost caught off guard as Marcos Llorente dashed into the penalty area following a well-executed Atletico move, forcing Andriy Lunin to scramble to prevent Llorente’s low shot from creeping over the line.
Arbeloa’s team continued to control the play, but they disregarded that earlier caution and conceded a goal as Lookman culminated a superb attack.
Matteo Ruggeri delivered an excellent pass into the box, locating Giuliano Simeone, whose astute flick then set up the advancing Lookman to slot the ball under Lunin from close proximity.
Madrid responded effectively, with Aurelien Tchouameni heading just wide before Musso mishandled a shot from Arda Guler, though he managed to prevent a follow-up attempt.Â
Real Madrid Stages Comeback in Magnificent Second Half
An equitable equalizer materialized after Brahim Diaz demonstrated nimble footwork on the byline and was fouled by Hancko. The official promptly awarded a penalty, enabling Vinicius to smash it in from 12 yards.
The comeback was subsequently finalized as Madrid’s high press led Atletico to forfeit possession, presenting Valverde with the opportunity to burst clear one-on-one and chip the ball beyond Musso.
Nevertheless, Atletico remained a persistent danger, and after Julian Alvarez had curled his shot just over the bar, Molina re-established equality with a spectacular shot from 25 yards, finding the top-left corner with a powerful right-footed effort from 25 yards.
However, Atletico were equated for merely five minutes, as Musso was left helpless when Vinicius drifted onto his stronger right foot and curled the ball exquisitely into the bottom-right corner following a pinpoint diagonal delivery from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But Madrid’s elation swiftly transformed into outrage as Valverde was ejected after tackling Alex Baena from behind. The controversial choice to send off their motivating leader elicited furious objections from both athletes and coach alike.
Only the woodwork prevented Alvarez from capitalizing on Valverde’s dismissal as his arcing shot struck the right-hand post. Despite that, Atletico were indebted to Musso for maintaining the margin at one, as he parried away an Alexander-Arnold free-kick.
Lunin made a crucial stop to thwart Alexander Sorloth towards the end and matched a bold attempt from Baena. An impressive display of resolve from Madrid was rewarded with a triumph that could potentially be seen as a pivotal point in their season if they do indeed eventually overtake Barca.