Vinicius Junior Nets Double to Help Real Madrid Defeat Atletico in Thrilling Five Goal Clash

The sidelines presented clear differences, with Atletico coach Diego Simeone showing his usual passion during his 50th Madrid derby, in contrast to Real counterpart Alvaro Arbeloa who seemed composed while managing his team in this match for the initial occasion.

The Spanish manager had little cause for agitation as his players launched an intense opening, Dani Carvajal prompting a strong stop from Juan Musso and Federico Valverde striking the foot of the upright within the first 10 minutes.

Atletico created their own opportunity when Marcos Llorente gained room in the penalty area and elicited a quick reaction from Real custodian Andriy Lunin, who was on for just his fourth outing this season replacing the sidelined Thibaut Courtois.

Real appeared most likely to take the lead first, yet the away team delivered a surprise blow that quieted the Bernabeu 12 minutes from the interval.

Matteo Ruggeri delivered a low pass from the left flank, and Giuliano Simeones smart redirection landed ideally for Ademola Lookman, who slotted in his fifth strike since arriving at the club last month. This marked the 24th instance of Atletico scoring first in LaLiga this season, topping the league, though they nearly lost the advantage when Aurelien Tchouameni nodded narrowly past the target.

Simeones squad had to endure pressure after the break, but the contest flipped dramatically inside 10 minutes of resumption.

To start, David Hancko fouled Brahim Diaz near the goal line, allowing Vini Jr to confidently convert the penalty past Musso. Merely three minutes on, replacement Jose Maria Gimenez could not clear the danger in his own area, Valverde intercepted and nudged the ball into the net for his sixth in five outings.

Atleticos spirits might have fallen, but they shocked their opponents once more halfway through the period, substitute Nahuel Molina netting in back to back LaLiga fixtures via a powerful 25 yard shot that flew into the upper corner.

However, the equaliser lasted just five minutes before Vini Jr countered with a stunning effort of his own, moving inward and bending the ball into the distant angle from the penalty areas edge.

Arbeloa promptly introduced Jude Bellingham, returning from injury since early February for his first game, though drama followed soon as Valverde received a red card for a rough challenge on Alex Baena.

The away side felt victory within reach, Julian Alvarez bending a shot onto the woodwork, just before Trent Alexander Arnold drew a fine save from Musso with a curling free kick the other way.

Alexander Sorloth had a final header stopped, but Atletico could not muster another leveller, missing out on a potential seven game unbeaten run against their foes for the first time. They remain in fourth position, while Reals success positions them four points adrift of table toppers Barcelona.