Forward scored two goals to secure vital win in Madrid derby
Vinicius Junior was in top form at the Bernabeu on Sunday, scoring twice to inspire Real Madrid to a thrilling 3-2 victory over local rivals Atletico Madrid.
In a keenly contested Spanish capital derby, it was Vinicius who ultimately made the difference. The Brazilian cancelled out an early goal from Ademola Lookman from the penalty spot before putting Madrid ahead again after Nahuel Molina’s equaliser, curling beyond Juan Musso with an excellent strike that proved to be the match winner.
“I’m very happy with the game we played and that we controlled it from the start,” Vinicius said after the game. “We conceded a goal, but we’re improving and working hard for matches like these.
“I’m a very happy Madridista today because of the victory, the goals, and because the fans can really enjoy it since it’s a derby and Madrid always wins.”
QUÉ FOTÓN. MADRE MÍA. pic.twitter.com/8LqBcKlbrT
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 22, 2026
Vinicius was also eager to de-emphasise his own performance and praise the entire team for a vital victory that ensured Madrid remained close enough to Barcelona’s heels.
“The credit belongs to everyone: the manager, the players, the fans, and all the work we’ve done during the week,” said the Brazilian. “We improved as the game went on, we won, we defended well, we had a very clear game plan from the beginning, and that makes all the difference.”
Vinicius has been on and off form this season but has now scored four important goals in his last two matches. He also scored a double to seal the win over Manchester City in the Champions League in midweek.
It is a great time for a boost in form with nine league games to go and Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
“I feel very happy because I’ve worked all season for matches like these, and when this time of year arrives, I don’t know what happens to me, but I always improve, I always score goals, I provide assists, and that’s what we players are here for,” Vinicius said. “The president always tells me I have to score two goals, and I score these two goals for him.”
Sincronizados en ataque y en defensa. pic.twitter.com/3RBh1VnCXq
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 22, 2026
Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa was full of praise for his forward, saying his performance was a reflection of both his quality and his mentality.
“It was another great game for Vini, another demonstration of his talent, bravery and character,” Arbeloa said. “He scored a great goal in a difficult moment. I’m lucky to have him as a player. I don’t know if he’s in the best form of his career, but he’s not far off.”
