Vinícius scores twice to lead Real Madrid to a pulsating 3-2 win over Atletico in La Liga

BARCELONA, Spain — Vinícius Júnior rediscovered his Bernabéu swagger on Sunday, striking once from the spot and once from the edge of the box to propel Real Madrid to a dramatic 3-2 derby triumph over Atlético Madrid that keeps the La Liga title race alive and well.

The Brazilian’s double—his first league goals against Atlético after 12 previous scoreless derbies—erased an early deficit created by Ademola Lookman’s 33rd-minute opener and ultimately nudged Madrid within four points of leaders Barcelona with nine fixtures remaining.

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s side looked vulnerable when Federico Valverde, fresh from scoring a third straight league goal to make it 2-1, was sent off in the 78th minute for a heavy challenge on Álex Baena. Julián Álvarez promptly struck the post, but Vinícius’s 72nd-minute curler proved decisive, greeted by a roar that included Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal in the VIP seats.

“Another great game by Vini,” Arbeloa said. “It was an example of his character, his talent. I’m lucky to have him on my team.”

Vinícius, who earlier this season heard jeers after a 5-2 derby humiliation and the dismissal of former coach Xabi Alonso, credited persistence. “I have worked hard all season for games like this. When this time of the season arrives the goals and assists just flow.”

Atlético, missing goalkeeper Jan Oblak and fielding Juan Musso, rallied through Nahuel Molina’s 66th-minute thunderbolt, yet could not find a third. Diego Simeone’s side remain focused on looming Champions League and Copa del Rey commitments.

Both Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham returned as second-half substitutes after injury lay-offs, while Andriy Lunin deputised for the injured Thibaut Courtois. The victory caps a resurgent spell for Madrid that already includes eliminating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City from Europe.

Barcelona earlier beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 through Ronald Araújo’s header, and Alaves produced the day’s other shock by overturning a 3-0 deficit at Celta Vigo to win 4-3—the first such road comeback in La Liga this century.