Real Madrid 3-2 Atletico Madrid: Lookman’s opener not enough as Mattress Makers fall on the road

Vinicius Junior netted twice as Real Madrid came from the back to discomfit Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the La Liga 2025/26 match at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid City on Sunday 22 March, 2026.

Thanks to Vinicius’ double, Alvaro Arbeloa’s Los Blancos were able to overcome Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman’s opener to clinch a crucial victory on home turf.

The victory means Real Madrid are now trailing Hansi Flick’s Barcelona by four (4) points.

In the 33rd minute, Giuliano Simeone provided for the Super Eagles forward, who converted to open for the Mattress Makers; Lookman finished a fine ‌counterattack encompassing Matteo Ruggeri and a delightful back-heel from Simeone.

Diego Simeone’s side finished in front in the first half, but, after the break, the hosts found the leveller in the 52nd minute through Brazilian winger, Vinicius; and three (3) minutes later, Federico Valverde added Real Madrid’s second, after taking advantage of a ⁠Jose Maria Gimenez error, to make it 2-1 for the home side.

With a powerful 30-metre strike in ⁠the 66th minute, Nahuel Molina levelled for Atletico with an assist from Julian Alvarez.

But, six (6) minutes later, Vinicius returned Real Madrid in front with a solo effort.

For an annoying foul on Alex Baena, goalscorer Valverde was handed a straight red card, reducing the hosts to ten (10) men in the 77th minute.

Valverde’s absence helped Atletico Madrid take dominance and as pressure was mounted on Madrid, Alvarez’ effort struck the post, but, the Los Blancos held on and bagged all three (3) points.

Post-match comments from Arbeloa and Simeone:

Following the difficult win, Real Madrid boss Arbeloa praised his side for displaying “pure Real Madrid mentality”.

Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid defender, said: “We’re in a good moment. It wasn’t an easy match at all. The opponent made it very difficult for us.

“We had to show a very strong mentality. They equalised again, fiercely, and we had to press again. That’s what I liked the most – the mentality of this team.”

Head Coach of Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone, said, the Mattress Makers “deserved more”.

Simeone said: “We could have defended their goals better and done more in attack. We’re facing teams that play well, and if you give them anything, they’ll hurt you. We deserved more.”

Results:

Photo: Vinicius Junior levels for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid from the penalty spot in the La Liga match on Sunday 22 March, 2026 at Santiago | Jon Nazca/Reuters