Real Madrid 3-2 Atletico Madrid Player Ratings: Vinicius 8.5/10 Brace Wins Madrid Derby as Los Blancos Survive Valverde Red Card

Everything about this Madrid derby had the hallmarks of a classic: a goal against the run of play, a stunning comeback, a moment of madness, and a match-winning contribution from the one player who always seems to find a way in the biggest moments. Atletico arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a genuine ambition of completing a league double over their city rivals, and for large portions of the first half, they looked entirely capable of doing exactly that. Lookman's clinical 33rd-minute finish gave Simeone's side a thoroughly deserved half-time lead, and Real Madrid's struggles to break down a well-organised defensive block left the home crowd increasingly anxious.

The second half belonged entirely to Vinicius Junior. A penalty converted with absolute authority in the 52nd minute broke his remarkable goalless run against Atletico Madrid, and three minutes later, Valverde pounced on a defensive error to give Real the lead. Molina's stunning long-range equaliser briefly threatened to derail the hosts. Still, Trent's introduction proved decisive, his switch of play releasing Vinicius to curl an inch-perfect finish beyond Musso in the 72nd minute, showing why he is one of the best wingers right now. Valverde's needless red card five minutes later made for a nervy finale, but Real held firm to claim a derby victory that their second-half performance fully deserved. Here are Sportsdunia's Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid player ratings.

Key Takeaways

• Vinicius was the difference-maker in every sense, and his 8.5/10 rating was thoroughly earned.
• Valverde's red card in the 77th minute was as unnecessary as it was costly.
• Molina's stunning long-range equaliser was the moment that threatened to derail everything Real had worked for.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Atlético Madrid

Here are the Real Madrid player ratings for the Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid La Liga fixture.

Goalkeeper

Andriy Lunin - 7.0: We thought Lunin had a solid game. He made four saves, including a crucial one inside the box. He couldn't have done much for either of the goals, they were both quality finishes. His distribution was calm and collected, even under pressure.

Defenders

Daniel Carvajal - 6.5: The captain was his usual energetic self for the 64 minutes he was on the pitch. He created two chances and was always an outlet on the right. A decent, if not spectacular, performance before being substituted.

Antonio Rüdiger - 6.0: A surprisingly quiet night for Rüdiger. From our perspective, he seemed a bit off his usual dominant self, losing a few aerial duels we've become accustomed to him winning. He was tidy in possession but we expected more defensively.

Dean Huijsen - 6.5: A very composed performance on the ball, completing 94% of his passes. He looked comfortable stepping out from the back. However, being part of a defense that conceded two goals means there's still room for improvement.

Fran García - 6.5: A tireless display from the left-back. He was good in his duels and offered support in attack. We noticed he was disciplined, recovering the ball and winning his tackles when needed.

Midfielders

Aurélien Tchouaméni - 7.0: He was the anchor in midfield. Kept things simple and effective, breaking up play and starting attacks. He created two chances and was a key part of Real's control in the second half.

Federico Valverde - 7.5: What a wild performance. He scored a go-ahead goal, hit the woodwork, and was a constant source of energy. Then he got a straight red card. It was a classic Valverde display of all-action football, for better and for worse.

Arda Güler - 7.0: The youngster really impressed us. He was bright, confident, and always looking to create. He had a couple of shots and his link-up play was excellent. A very promising 74 minutes.

Thiago Pitarch - 6.0: He worked hard but struggled to impose himself on the game. He picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul and was substituted just after the hour mark. An industrious but limited outing.

Forwards

Vinicius Junior - 8.5: Without a doubt, the highest-rated player and Man of the Match. He was simply electric. He won and scored the penalty to get his team back in the game and then scored a sensational winner from outside the box. A truly decisive performance.

Brahim Díaz - 7.0: Very lively and tricky. His quick feet won the penalty that changed the momentum of the game. He was a constant thorn in Atlético's side before being replaced after a great shift.

Substitutes

A raft of changes were made late in the game, with players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé entering the fray. However, with limited time and available data, it would be unfair to provide a definitive rating for their cameos.

Manager

Á. Arbeloa Coca - 7.0: His team showed immense character to come from a goal down and win a frantic derby. His attackers were on fire. The defense could have been tighter, but he'll be delighted with the three points.

Atletico Madrid Player Ratings vs Real Madrid

Check out the Atletico Madrid player ratings vs Real Madrid.

Goalkeeper

Juan Musso - 6.5: It's tough for a keeper who concedes three, but Musso actually played well. He made five saves to keep his team in the contest. He stood little chance with any of the goals he conceded.

Defenders

Marcos Llorente - 6.5: A typical all-action display from Llorente. He made a number of important tackles and worked tirelessly. However, he missed a big chance early on and picked up a yellow card for a clumsy challenge.

Dávid Hancko - 5.5: A night to forget for the defender. He struggled against the pace of Real Madrid's forwards and gave away the penalty that let them back into the game. It was a clumsy challenge that proved very costly.

Robin Le Normand - 6.0: He only played the first 45 minutes and was steady enough. Didn't do much wrong but was sacrificed at halftime for a tactical change. A solid, if unspectacular, half.

Matteo Ruggeri - 6.0: He tried to provide width from the left and delivered some dangerous crosses. Defensively, however, he was part of a backline that was ultimately breached three times. A mixed bag of a performance.

Midfielders

Johnny Cardoso - 6.0: He was aggressive and tenacious in the middle of the park, but perhaps a bit too much so. He earned an early yellow card and was walking a tightrope until he was subbed off before the hour.

Koke - 6.0: The captain kept possession ticking over with his usual high pass accuracy. From our perspective, though, he lacked the incisiveness to really hurt Real Madrid. The midfield battle was largely lost in the second half.

Giuliano Simeone - 8.0: We thought he was outstanding for Atlético. He provided a clever assist for the opening goal and was a creative spark throughout his time on the pitch. His energy and vision were a constant threat.

Ademola Lookman - 7.0: He took his goal brilliantly and looked like Atlético's most dangerous attacker in the first half. It was a surprise to us when he was substituted off before the hour mark.

Forwards

Antoine Griezmann - 6.5: He created a couple of good chances but it was a surprisingly quiet game for a player of his calibre. He drifted in and out of the match before being withdrawn early in the second half.

Julián Alvarez - 7.5: An incredibly lively performance from the Argentine. He provided the assist for Molina's equalizer, hit the post, and was a general pest for the Real Madrid defense. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself.

Substitutes

Nahuel Molina was the pick of the bunch, coming on to score a spectacular goal that briefly silenced the Bernabéu. The other changes added fresh legs, but couldn't ultimately find a way to secure a point.

Manager

D. Simeone - 6.5: His team fought hard and played their part in an incredible derby. His tactics were spot on in the first half, and his substitutions had an impact, particularly Molina. Ultimately, though, his defense couldn't handle Real's firepower.

Man of the Match

Vinicius Junior was the man of the match.

Worst Performer

Dávid Hancko was the worst performer.