Vinícius Jr. scores twice in Madrid derby, Atlético Madrid acts like it never happened

Tension between Atlético Madrid and Vinícius Jr. is nothing new, and Sunday’s Madrid derby added another chapter to the intense rivalry.

The relationship between the Atlético squad and the Brazilian forward has been strained for some time, and it was on full display again in the latest clash between the two LaLiga giants. Vinícius appeared to have a score to settle with Atlético manager Diego Simeone, stemming from comments made during the Spanish Super Cup, when Simeone joked, “Florentino is going to sack you.”

As Vinícius headed toward the bench late in the game, he turned toward Simeone and reminded him of his performance, gesturing after scoring twice.

Atlético’s social media move sparks backlash

The tension didn’t stop on the field. Atlético Madrid’s official X account raised eyebrows with how it described Real Madrid’s goals during the match.

When Vinícius found the net, Atlético’s posts avoided mentioning him by name. Instead, the goals were labeled generically, including “Goal for the home side” and “Real Madrid equalizes from the penalty spot.”

However, when Fede Valverde scored to make it 2-1, Atlético’s account did include the Uruguayan midfielder’s name.

That inconsistency didn’t go unnoticed.

Fans step in with correction

Users on X quickly picked up on the omission, prompting the platform’s community notes feature to step in. A note was added to clarify that Vinícius was, in fact, the scorer of those goals, with users arguing that identifying the player was essential context.

The episode only added fuel to an already heated rivalry.

Vinícius responds after the final whistle

After the match, Vinícius took to Instagram to celebrate the win and send a message of his own.

“There’s only one Madrid,” he wrote, a phrase often used by Real Madrid players and fans to underline the club’s dominance in the Spanish capital.

Given the events on and off the field, it’s safe to say this won’t be the last flashpoint between Vinícius Jr. and Atlético Madrid.

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