Captain flies off the field
Five goals and one red card: Real Madrid wins wild derby
Updated March 22, 2026 – 11:04 p.mReading time: 1 min.
The title race in Spain remains exciting. Real Madrid clears the Atlético hurdle, but also has to accept a short-term loss.
Antonio Rüdiger travels to the national team with a big chest. The central defender secured an important victory with Real Madrid in the city derby against Atlético Madrid on Sunday. The “Royal” won 3-2, but had to complete the final phase with ten men. Captain Federico Valverde was sent off with a red card in the 77th minute and kicked his opponent from behind with full force. Real’s match winner against Atlético was star striker Vinícius Júnior – the Brazilian scored twice.
Despite a good first half, Real fell behind with a goal from former Bundesliga professional Ademola Lookman in the 33rd minute. After the break a spectacular exchange of blows developed.
Vinícius Júnior equalized with a penalty kick (52′), Fede Valverde scored shortly afterwards to make it 2-1 for the hosts (55′). Atlético made it 2-2 thanks to a wonderful long-range goal from Nahuel Molina (66th), before Vinícius Júnior scored the winning goal for Real (72nd).
In the final phase, a red card for Fede Valverde made things tight for the home team, but Real saved their narrow lead with a bit of luck over time. In the quarter-finals of the Champions League, coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s team will face German champions FC Bayern after Easter.
