Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. He finished a swift counterattack that featured a backheel from Giuliano Simeone. The visitors led 1-0 at the Estadio Bernabeu.
However, Real Madrid fought back after the interval. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior converted a penalty in the 52nd minute to make it 1-1. Then Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde struck in the 55th minute to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina equalised with a stunning long-range effort in the 66th minute. The score stood at 2-2, and the thriller continued.
Moreover Vinicius Junior restored the advantage three minutes later. He curled a shot past the goalkeeper after a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Real Madrid led 3-2.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior later said, “Today is a good day. I am a very happy Madridista. Florentino Perez always tells me that I have to score two goals, and today I was able to put in two for him.”
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde received a red card in the 77th minute after a challenge on Alex Baena. Despite playing with 10 men, the hosts defended stoutly through six minutes of added time.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa stated, “We have done it. The job is done. My favourite thing about tonight was the pure Real Madrid mentality we showed.”
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone added, “We could have done much more. We could have defended their goals better and done more in attack.”
The victory kept Real Madrid within four points of league leaders Barcelona. Atletico Madrid stayed in fourth place.
