Madrid’s derby left Real Madrid looking back across the city with more than a defeat to consider. Atlético de Madrid’s 2-1 victory on Sunday moved the home side above their neighbours into second place, while Vinicius Junior endured another quiet afternoon in a season that has yet to gather momentum for the Brazilian.
Vinicius has scored only once so far this campaign and could not alter the course of the seventh-round meeting at Atlético’s ground. He was the first Real player withdrawn, leaving the field shortly after Atlético struck early in the second half, with Arda Güler also taken off in a decisive period of the contest.
Diomandé came on in an attempt to give Real more pace in attack, but the match had already been reshaped by a dismissal. The Ivorian’s only notable threat was a long-range effort that Jan Oblak saved.
The local verdict on Vinicius was unforgiving after a display in which he struggled to impose himself through either passing or direct attacking. One assessment described him as unable to find his rhythm or create danger, adding that his early removal underlined his limited influence on such an important day. Vinicius appeared to accept the decision as he left the pitch.
Atlético take second place
For Atlético, the derby result carried significance beyond the capital’s usual rivalry. Their 16 points put them one ahead of Real, who now sit on 15. Barcelona remain clear at the summit after winning each of their opening seven league fixtures, reaching 21 points.
Vinicius was Real’s only Brazilian participant. Éder Militão and Rodrygo remain sidelined while recovering from injuries, and Endrick stayed among the substitutes throughout the 90 minutes.
Real now enter the international break before returning to league action on 10 October, when Villarreal visit their schedule. By then, they will hope that a difficult afternoon across Madrid has not become a longer-running concern for one of their principal forwards.
