The cheers were back for Vinícius Júnior at the Santiago Bernabeu after the Real Madrid forward scored twice in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, keeping his team in the thick of the La Liga title race.
Vinícius had to endure jeers from Madrid's fans earlier this season following the firing of coach Xabi Alonso and some embarrassing losses.
But as the results have improved, so has Vinícius’ reception from Madrid’s supporters.
Madrid has reached a high mark under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa with the win over Atletico — after a humiliating 5-2 loss in September — and the elimination of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League.
Vinícius converted a penalty in the 52nd minute to cancel out Ademola Lookman’s first-half opener for Atletico before the speedy Madrid forward grabbed the winner with a curling strike in the 72nd.
“Another great game by Vini, it was an example of his character, his talent. It was a great goal that gave us a win in a difficult moment. I am lucky to have him on my team,” Arbeloa said.
“We remain in the league fight. Mission accomplished.”
Surprisingly, the goals were Vinícius’ first against Atletico in La Liga after 12 scoreless derbies for the player.
He had scored once before against Atletico in the Copa del Rey.
“I have worked hard all season for games like this,” Vinícius said.
“I don’t know why, but when this time of the season arrives the goals and assists just flow.”
