Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid in a dramatic encounter, maintaining their pursuit of La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.
The win keeps Real, who are set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, just four points behind Hansi Flick’s Barcelona with nine league matches remaining in La Liga.
Despite Real Madrid, featuring German international Antonio Rüdiger in central defense, largely dominating the first half, a typically defensive Atlético took a somewhat fortunate lead through former Leipzig player Ademola Lookman in the 33rd minute. Until the break, the record champions had practically played exclusively in Atlético’s half.
The Blancos’ goals came swiftly after halftime: Vinicius Junior converted a penalty in the 52nd minute, and Federico Valverde capitalized on a significant defensive error to put Real 2-1 ahead in the 55th minute before 77,964 spectators at the Bernabéu.
The match then truly came alive. Substitute Nahuel Molina scored a spectacular equalizer for Atlético in the 66th minute with a powerful 25-meter shot into the top corner. However, Vinicius Junior responded once more, restoring the lead for the «Los Blancos» in the 72nd minute. Shortly after, Uruguayan midfielder Valverde was controversially sent off with a red card for a hard foul in the 77th minute, but Real Madrid successfully held on to secure the vital win.