RODRYGO AND FEDERICO Valverde scored to earn Real Madrid a 2-1 win over neighbours Atletico Madrid in a heated derby to return to the top of La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, with a 100 percent record from six games. This victory took Real two points above Barcelona, who had leapfrogged into first on Saturday.
The game was marred by racist chants aimed at Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior outside the stadium before the game, sparked by criticism of his dancing goal celebrations and a subsequent debate over whether that criticism was racist.
Fans also threw objects at Vinicius after a Real goal and aimed racist chants at him in the closing stages.
After another Brazilian, Rodrygo, broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, he danced in celebration with Vinicius, to the chagrin of Atletico’s enraged supporters. Some threw objects, including lighters, at the duo.
Madrid were missing the injured Karim Benzema while the hosts picked Antoine Griezmann in the starting line-up for the first time this season, and they were on top in the opening stages.
Spurred on by the rowdy atmosphere, Diego Simeone’s side pressed high up the pitch and put Los Blancos on the back foot, with Felipe heading over and Dani Carvajal deflecting a Yannick Carrasco shot into the side netting.
Geoffrey Kondogbia launched an effort at goal which missed narrowly, but with Atletico dominant, Madrid landed a sucker-punch.
Aurelien Tchouameni scooped a delightful pass over the defence and Rodrygo smartly dispatched it past Jan Oblak.
Atletico tried to fight back, with a fierce drive from Griezmann flying past the post and Thibault Courtois denying Carrasco, before Madrid struck another killer blow.
Vinicius, whistled by Atletico fans, combined with Luka Modric before hitting the post and Fede Valverde followed up to slam into the net from close range after 36 minutes.
The Uruguayan has four goals and two assists in seven games across all competitions, cementing himself as an essential presence on the right flank for Ancelotti.
Real Madrid took the sting out of the game in the second half by trying to keep the ball. Atletico midfielder Koke was booked for a wild hack at Rodrygo.
It was Koke’s 553rd game for the club, equalling the all-time record set by Adelardo, who retired in 1976, but it was one to forget.
Mario Hermoso pulled a goal back when Courtois flailed at a corner and the defender finished with his shoulder into the empty net in the 83rd minute, but Atletico could not complete an unlikely comeback.
Further racist chanting was aimed at Vinicius from some home fans, and Hermoso was sent off in stoppage time for battling with Dani Ceballos at a corner to earn a second yellow card.
It was a dismal end to a dismal night for Atletico, both on and, shamefully, off the pitch.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
For all that was said about Kildare doing well under McGeaney, I feel they underachieved considerably. Way too much hype with no end product and no silverware to show for it either.
If Kildare actually played good football instead of talking how good they are and the LEGENDS that are on the team they may have some hope
Dublin-Meath games always have the potential to be crackers. Its my favourite rivilary in the GAA, I think allot of teams(weaker counties)are beaten by Dublin before a ball is kicked, Meath will not fear them and id say they will give them a good game.That said I’d say the Dubs will still win by 4 or 5 points.
Going to order a ticket for this one and as a neutral im hoping for a good old fashioned Meath v Dublin battle.
Meath are up against it obviously but we’ve already got a chance, as I said above we’re going to need goals, and a lot of them. Dublins squad is so strong it’s hard to see us matching them for 70 mins, but if we can pressure their kicks like we did last year, and with Paddy O’Rourke booming balls onto their 50 yard line with his own we should win most of that ball, it’ll give us a chance at least
Dublin would want to wake up from their first half slumber. Two games in a row now and won’t get away so lightly against better opposition.
Yesterday the wrong option was selected a lot of the time in the first half. Take the easy points lads.
Cormac Costello is a class act,
Up the dubs.
Beat two teams by cricket scores and still not happy. Typical Dub supporter. You dont know how good you have it!
A ridiculous comment. These are the best days to be a Dublin supporter that I can remember for a long time.
First half in both games so far the finishing was poor. If they play like that against Meath they’ll be punished.
From someone who played GAA
Everyone is talking of how far they are ahead of every team in Leinster, Meath are not that far behind in talent considering Dublin have far more money and better sponsorship deals. It’s great to see Dublin do so well and as a Meath man we are going to catch them.
What has money got to do with it? They can’t buy players or pay them
The 7 point differential in last years Leinster final begs to differ! Meath wilted badly in the 2nd half yesterday and there was an abundance of poor wides from both them and Kildare
Dublin really should have too much for us tbh but you can see what Mick O’Dowd is trying to do. At every opportunity yesterday, Meath drove straight for goal…this has been in preparation for a crack at Dublin. O’Dowd knows that if Meath are going to have any chance we’ll have to create and take every goal opportunity that we can. Now we didn’t take the chances yesterday, but they were created none the less.
The last time Meath beat Dublin was in 2010, our forwards were on fire and we banged in 5 goals. Without doubt this will be the idea again.
Money has a lot to do with it = better training facilities and a lot more.
Hon the royals!
Haven’t missed a match so far this year . Meath getting stronger no doubt . Dublin didn’t get out of 2nd gear till mid way through the 2nd half . Attendance was ok but I’m sure i won’t get a ticket come final . Typical :( COYBIB
Darren you can buy tickets for the final at Super value stores or go online and get them through tickets.ie.
Who only charge €1 for postage and no booking fee unlike ticket master.
You should have got a season ticket. If my county were possible All Ireland candidates id get on.
It is great to see Dublin and Meath go head to head in the final. https://twitter.com/DeclanJCarr/status/483245084226621441/photo/1