Real Madrid secured a significant victory over Atletico Madrid in the city derby at the Bernabeu on Sunday night, marking their first home win against their rivals in La Liga in five years. This triumph was not only emotionally important but also crucial for their title aspirations. While Los Blancos had previously defeated Atletico in the Spanish Supercup in January, this match allowed them to exact revenge for the heavy 5-2 defeat they suffered last September.
Vinicius Junior, in particular, found redemption. Following an impressive brace against Manchester City in the Champions League, the Brazilian continued his decisive form, scoring another two goals against Atletico, including the winner. He was deservedly substituted to a standing ovation in the closing minutes of the game.
Vinicius Responds to Diego Simeone
The January derby in Saudi Arabia, which Real Madrid won 2-1, was marked by a heated exchange between Vinicius and Diego Simeone. The Atletico manager was reportedly heard shouting at Vinicius, suggesting that “Florentino [Perez] is going to kick you out,” amidst rumors surrounding the player’s future at Real Madrid. Simeone later issued an apology to both Vinicius and Perez, admitting his behavior fell short of his own standards.
However, during Sunday night’s match, as Vinicius walked past Simeone, he was observed laughing and clapping at the Atletico manager. Simeone, in turn, was then seen appealing to the referee for a booking against the Real Madrid star.
Vinicius: ‘My Goals are for Florentino Perez’
Any doubt that Vinicius was reflecting on their January incident was dispelled when he told RMTV (as reported by Marca) after the game that he dedicated his goals to the Real Madrid president.
“I’m extremely happy because I’ve worked tirelessly all season for matches like these. And when this stage of the season arrives… there’s something about me, I always improve. I always score and provide assists. The president – Florentino Pérez – always tells me I need to score two goals, and today I scored two; these are for him.”
