Real survives Atlético fightback in five–goal thriller

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, second from left, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal in the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in Madrid, Spain. (AP)

BARCELONA, Spain, March 23 (AP): The cheers were back for Vinícius Júnior at the Santiago Bernabeu after the Real Madrid forward scored twice in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, keeping his team in the thick of the La Liga title race.

Vinícius had to endure jeers from Madrid's fans earlier this season following the firing of coach Xabi Alonso and some embarrassing losses.

But as the results have improved, so has Vinícius’ reception from Madrid’s supporters. Madrid has reached a high mark under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa with the win over Atletico - after a humiliating 5-2 loss in September - and the elimination of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League.

And Vinícíus has rightfully gotten some credit for the team’s recent improvement in form as he has helped to lead Madrid along with midfielder Federico Valverde, with stars Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham out injured.

Vinícius converted a penalty in the 52nd minute to cancel out Ademola Lookman’s first-half opener for Atletico before the speedy Madrid forward grabbed the winner with a curling strike in the 72nd.

"Another great game by Vini, it was an example of his character, his talent. It was a great goal that gave us a win in a difficult moment. I am lucky to have him on my team,” Arbeloa said. "We remain in the league fight. Mission accomplished.”

Surprisingly, the goals were Vinícius’ first against Atletico in La Liga after 12 scoreless derbies for the player. He had scored once before against Atletico in the Copa del Rey.

"I have worked hard all season for games like this,” Vinícius said. "I don’t know why, but when this time of the season arrives, the goals and assists just flow.”

Madrid had to hold on for the last 12 minutes when Valverde, who had scored to make it 2-1 before Nahuel Molina leveled for Atletico, got a direct red card for a tough-looking challenge on Alex Baena, who in 2023 accused Valverde of assaulting him after a game.

The sending off almost cost Madrid when Julian Álvarez got free and hit the post with 10 minutes to play.

But Arbeloa’s team saw out the final minutes to ensure second-place Madrid stayed within four points of Barcelona with nine games remaining.

Lookman has scored five goals since joining Atletico from Atalanta in the winter transfer window, when Giuliano Simeone used an exquisite touch of the side of his boot to leave the Nigeria striker free to score in the 33rd.