Rodrygo, Federico Valverde Each Score as Real Madrid Defeats Atletico Madrid, 2-1

 

Real Madrid got the better of Atletico Madrid Sunday for the town’s derby as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win at the Wanda Metropolitano. The win puts them two points ahead of Barcelona in the La Liga table.

Many are referring to this being Real Madrid’s best start to the season in decades, with the club’s best player injured more or less. Carlo Ancelotti deserves appreciation for a superb start to the season, and for Sunday’s performance on the pitch.

Nine game; nine wins.

“Seeing Real Madrid defending in a low block reminded me of the Atletico with Diego Costa,” Atletico manager Diego Simeone said.

“If Simeone said we defended well in a low block, then I thank him for the compliment,” Ancelotti added.

Real Madrid top scorers this season, all competition:  5 – Vinicius Jr.; 4 – Valverde & Benzema; 3 – Rodrygo.

The possession battle was split 50-50- even, with Atletico having one shot on target compared to just two for Real Madrid. Atletico did have eight corners vs just one for the opponent. Missed opportunities.

The game, however, was overshadowed by a cloud of racism seemingly targeted at Brazilian international Vinicius and specifically, his dancing on the pitch after goals.

A Spanish television show ever went to refer to his dancing as “monkeying around.”

Following these pre-match distractions, Vinicius received public interest from his fellow Brazilians.

“We haven’t talked about racism in the dressing room because the player has responded well in his statement and that’s it,” Ancelotti chimed in.

Neymar tweeted: “Dance, Vini” and the next day asked, “Am I the only one who woke up wanting Vinícius to score tomorrow?”

Atletico finally saw Antoine Greizmann in the starting eleven, with only coming on after the 60th minute for the prior 7 matches. He seemed sharp in the first third of the match, but did get fatigued as the match progressed,.

Real return to the top of the LaLiga table on 18 points from six games. Atleti are seventh, eight points behind their spot No. 6.

Atletico are back in action on Saturday, 1 October against Sevilla. Real Madrid and Osasuna go head-to-head in league action on Sunday, 2 October.