Vini ‘not far off’ career best in Madrid derby win
Alvaro Arbeloa said Vinícius Júnior is “not far off” career-best form after the forward scored twice — including a spectacular winner — in Real Madrid‘s 3-2 derby win over Atlético Madrid on Sunday.
Ademola Lookman gave Atlético a first-half lead at the Bernabéu, before Vinícius levelled from the penalty spot and then Federico Valverde put Madrid ahead.
Nahuel Molina made it 2-2 from distance, and then Vinícius curled past Atleti keeper Juan Musso to give Madrid the victory, and stay four points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.
“It was another great game for Vini, another demonstration of his talent, bravery and character,” Arbeloa said in his post-match news conference. “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.”
The Brazil international received a standing ovation from the Bernabéu crowd when he was substituted in the 87th minute, as the speed of his exit appeared to anger Atleti coach Diego Simeone.
Vinícius has now scored four goals in two games, after also netting a brace against Manchester City in the Champions League in midweek.
“The credit belongs to everyone: the coach, the players and the fans,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV. “I’m very happy, because I’ve worked all season for games like these. When this point in the season comes.
“I don’t know what it is about me, but I always improve. The president [Florentino Perez] always tells me I have to score two goals, and today I scored two, for him.”
Madrid had to play the final stages of the game with 10 men, after referee José Luis Munuera sent off Valverde for a challenge on Atletico’s Álex Baena.
“I had a different view to José Luis,” Arbeloa said. “”He said it was excessive force. I didn’t see it like that. You get lots of challenges like that, there was no intention to hurt [Baena]. But I’m grateful for his explanation.”
Atleti are now 12 points behind rivals Real, and 16 points off leaders Barça.
“We could have done more,” coach Simeone said. “At 1-0, we could have controlled the game better.”
Arbeloa refused to confirm or deny reports that he had dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold from the starting XI — replacing him with Dani Carvajal — because he had arrived late for training this week.
“I pick the best XI for every game,” Arbeloa said. “Carvajal played well, I was happy with him, and then Trent came on and he gave us a plus, with great energy. I’m happy to have so many options.”
