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After Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day, the pressure was on Alvaro Arbeloa's team at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, particularly after Ademola Lookman gave Atleti a first-half lead.

However, a quick-fire double from Vinicius and Federico Valverde turned the contest around, and even after Nahuel Molina's scorching strike made it 2-2, Madrid came on strong again.

Vinicius picked out the far corner after being expertly found by Trent Alexander-Arnold's switch of play, and Madrid held on after Valverde saw red for a late foul on Alex Baena.

Madrid is back within four points of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga after three straight wins, but it is not in action until facing Mallorca on 4 April.

"It's a shame, we're on a good run now," Vinicius said. "We're all going away with our national teams, and hopefully we can all come back without injuries for the most important stretch of the season.

"I'm very happy with the game, we controlled it from the beginning. We conceded, but we're evolving and changing so that in games like these, the Real Madrid players are content. 

"It's good that the fans could enjoy themselves and that Madrid always wins. We were clear from the beginning about our game plan and that made the difference."

Arbeloa, meanwhile, tasted victory in his first Madrid derby, and condemned Atleti boss Diego Simeone to defeat in his 50th taste of the storied fixture.

"It was exciting, I always say that the atmosphere in the derbies is the most special in LaLiga and I had to experience it as a coach," Arbeloa said.

"After several years without beating them here on our turf, it was important to do it today. I'm happy for the boys, who deserve this, and we go to the international break very calm."

Asked about Valverde's red card, which led to furious protests from Madrid's players, Arbeloa expressed confidence that referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero would change his mind about the incident. 

"It's difficult to understand, I thank him for coming to the technical area to explain to me," the former right-back said.

"Sometimes live it seems like something else, and I'm sure when he sees it, he will be able to change his mind. 

"But then, it was 15 minutes of camaraderie, solidarity, defending very well and the red card has come to mean nothing."