VINICIUS Junior scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a tense derby on Sunday to remain four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The Catalan champions had earlier defeated Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou by a close 1-0 margin.
Ademola Lookman handed Atletico a first-half lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid replied after the break with goals from Vinicius and Federico Valverde, turning the game around.
Nahuel Molina equalized for the visitors with a superb long-range shot. Vinicius scored the game-winner to secure all three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, According To The Sun.
Valverde was sent off late for a foul on Alex Baena, forcing Madrid to finish the match with ten men. “We showed mental toughness and strength worthy of this club’s badge,” stated Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
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“It made things hard for us and we had to suffer a lot.” The result capped Madrid’s excellent week, which included their Champions League victory over Manchester City.
Vinicius applauded the team effort, saying, “Everyone deserves credit, the coach, the players, and the fans.” His double brings him to ten goals in his last 11 matches across all competitions.
Arbeloa praised the forward’s performance, writing, “Another great game from Vinicius, another demonstration of bravery and character.” Following their comeback from injury, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both appeared as substitutes.
Atletico remains fourth, one point behind third-place Villarreal. Earlier, Barcelona defeated Rayo thanks to a Ronald Araujo header and a fantastic goalkeeping performance.
Araujo scored the only goal after 24 minutes with a header from a corner kick. Joan Garcia made several vital stops to retain the advantage despite sustained second-half pressure.
“We knew how important it was to get this win before the international break,” Garcia told DAZN on Wednesday. “We did it, but it’s true we suffered more than we would have liked.”
Raphinha wasted many chances for the hosts, and Rayo’s Pacha Espino squandered a golden chance to equalize late on. In other matches, Alaves rallied from 3-0 down to defeat Celta Vigo 4–3.
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