Rodrygo and Federico Valverde scored to earn Real Madrid a 2-1 win over neighbours Atletico Madrid in a heated derby on Sunday 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.
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Federico Valverde celebrates scoring the team’s second goal
“Derbies are always important but today was a bit different for what happened during the week,” said Rodrygo. “We responded on the pitch, and I only talk for myself. I am very happy to play well and to score another goal.” “Valverde and Rodrygo are very special players, because they are what the modern footballer has to be,” said Ancelotti. “They can play in various positions, they have something that stands out, technique, physique, we are delighted with them.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Madrid were missing injured Karim Benzema while the hosts picked Antoine Griezmann in the starting line-up for the first time this season. Atletico midfielder Koke was booked for a wild hack at Rodrygo. 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.
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Atletico fans target Real’s Vinicius Jr with racist chants
A group of Atletico Madrid fans were filmed chanting a racist song about Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior outside the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, before the teams met in Sunday’s La Liga derby clash. “You are a monkey, Vinicius, you are a monkey,” chanted a group of fans recorded by radio station Cope. Pedro Bravo, the head of the Spanish football agents association, sparked a furore when he said on television that Vinicius needed to stop ‘acting the monkey’ when celebrating goals.
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