Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman found the net, but his effort was not enough to secure victory, as Atletico Madrid suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in a thrilling La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night.
The Nigerian international gave Diego Simeone’s side an early advantage, but the hosts rallied from behind to claim all three points in the derby, and remain four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Lookman broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute following a well-worked team move, finishing from close range after a clever backheel assist from Giuliano Simeone to hand Atletico a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Real Madrid responded quickly after the restart, drawing level six minutes into the second half when Vinícius Júnior calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending Juan Musso the wrong way to make it 1-1.
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Moments later, the hosts turned the game around as Federico Valverde won possession high up the pitch before firing past Musso to put Real Madrid 2-1 ahead.
Head coach Diego Simeone reacted immediately with three changes, taking off Antoine Griezmann, Lookman and Johnny Cardoso for Alexander Sørloth, Nicolás González and Nahuel Molina.
The substitutions paid off as Atletico equalised 10 minutes later, with Molina unleashing a stunning long-range strike into the top corner to make it 2-2.
However, Real Madrid restored their lead shortly after, as Vinícius Júnior completed his brace, latching onto a precise pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold before cutting inside and curling home to make it 3-2.
The hosts were reduced to ten men in the 77th minute after Valverde was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Álex Baena, but Atletico failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage as Real Madrid held on for the win.
The result keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race, sitting four points behind Barcelona with nine games left, while Atletico missed the chance to move up to third but remain fourth on 57 points.
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