Vinicius Jr strikes twice as Real Madrid edge out Atletico Madrid 3-2 in pulsating derby
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Vinicius Jr celebrates his winner in Real Madrid's 3-2 La Liga success over Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 22.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MADRID – Vinicius Jr struck twice as Real Madrid “showed mental toughness” to shade Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling derby clash on March 22 to stay on leaders Barcelona’s tail at the top of La Liga.
After the Catalan giants edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 earlier, Real ensured the gap to the champions stayed at four points by beating Diego Simeone’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ademola Lookman put Atletico ahead in the first half but Vinicius and Federico Valverde’s strikes gave the hosts the lead soon after the interval.
Nahuel Molina equalised for Atletico with a spectacular effort from distance but Vinicius netted again to claim the three points for Los Blancos.
Valverde was sent off for hacking Alex Baena in the final stages but his side held on to win in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first derby clash with Atletico since taking over in January.
“We showed mental toughness and strength worthy of this club’s badge,” the Real head coach told reporters, proud of his team’s effort with 10 men. “It made things hard for us and we had to suffer a lot.”
After ousting Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 on March 17, victory against Atletico completed a successful week for Arbeloa and his team.
“We’re evolving and working hard so that in games like these Madrid fans can be happy, that the fans can enjoy themselves and that Madrid always win,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV.
“Everyone deserves credit, the coach, the players, the fans, all the work we’ve done this week. We were sure of our game plan from the start and that made all the difference.”
His double brought him to 10 goals in his last 11 matches across all competitions.
“I’m very happy because I’ve worked all season for games like this,” Vinicius added. “When this moment of the season arrives, I don’t know why, I always improve.”
Arbeloa has praised him since his first day at the helm and brought the best out of the forward after a barren spell under Xabi Alonso.
“Another great game from Vinicius, another demonstration of bravery and character,” he said.
“A great goal to give us victory in a tricky moment, I’m so lucky to have him, for his commitment and his talent.”
Arbeloa sent on Jude Bellingham as a substitute for his first appearance since Feb 1 after a hamstring injury, along with French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who returned midweek from a knee sprain.
Neither had much of an influence as Real were forced to defend after Valverde’s red card.
Real protested that it was not severe enough of an offence to merit a dismissal, but to no avail. In 2023, Baena, then at Villarreal, accused Valverde of punching him after a game.
Atletico are a point behind third-place Villarreal after they beat Real Sociedad on March 20.
Said Simeone: “We had opportunities to create great moments, but we didn’t take advantage of them. We deserved at least a little bit more.
“We could have done much more, we could have defended better for their goals and done more in attack.” AFP
