Vinicius Jr shines as Real Madrid edge Atletico 3-2 in thrilling La Liga derby

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Real Madrid secured a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in a pulsating La Liga derby, with Vinicius Jr scoring twice to keep his team within four points of league leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid fought back to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling Spanish capital derby on Sunday, courtesy of a brace from Vinicius Jr. The win keeps Alvaro Arbeloa's side within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Atletico's Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a slick counterattack, but Vinicius Jr equalized from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after David Hancko tripped Brahim Diaz. Federico Valverde then put Real ahead 2-1 with a goal capitalizing on a Jose Maria Gimenez error.

Nahuel Molina silenced the Bernabeu stadium with a thunderous 30-metre strike in the 66th minute, but Vinicius Jr restored Real's lead with a cracking solo effort six minutes later. Despite Valverde's red card for an inexplicable challenge, Real held firm to secure the win.

Arbeloa praised his side for showing 'pure Real Madrid mentality' to emerge with a difficult win, while Atletico boss Diego Simeone said his side deserved more from the game.