• Vinícius Júnior lit up the Bernabéu with a decisive brace in Real Madrid’s 3-2 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid, prompting coach Álvaro Arbeloa to declare the Brazilian forward “not far off” the best form of his career.

In a derby that swung wildly, Atlético struck first through Ademola Lookman, who punished hesitant defending to silence the home crowd. Real Madrid responded with growing authority, and Vinícius dragged his side level from the penalty spot, sending Juan Musso the wrong way with a calm finish that shifted the momentum.

Federico Valverde then put Madrid ahead, arriving late in the box to sweep home after sustained pressure. Yet Atlético refused to fold. Nahuel Molina stunned the stadium with a long-range strike that made it 2-2, briefly tilting the contest back toward Diego Simeone’s side.

The decisive moment belonged, again, to Vinícius. Collecting the ball on the left, he cut inside onto his right foot and curled a precise shot beyond Musso, a goal of technique and nerve that underlined his status as Madrid’s match-winner and kept the champions within striking distance in the title race.

“It was another great game for Vini, another demonstration of his talent, bravery and character,” Arbeloa said afterward. “He scored a great goal in a difficult moment. I don’t know if he’s in the best form of his career, but he’s not far off.”

The Bernabéu rose to applaud Vinícius when he was substituted late on, his brisk departure from the pitch visibly irritating Simeone on the Atlético bench. The forward has now scored four goals in two matches, following his brace against Manchester City in the Champions League.

“The credit belongs to everyone: the coach, the players and the fans,” Vinícius told club television. “I’m very happy, because I’ve worked all season for games like these. I don’t know what it is about me, but I always improve. The president always tells me I have to score two goals, and today I scored two, for him.”

Madrid finished the match with 10 men after Valverde was sent off for a challenge on Álex Baena. Arbeloa questioned the decision but accepted the referee’s explanation, while Simeone lamented his team’s inability to control the game after taking the lead, a result that leaves Atlético adrift in the league standings.