REAL’S return to the top of LaLiga was marred by large-scale racist chanting from Atletico fans at Vinicius Junior.
Rodrygo and Federico Valverde earned victory before Atleti sub Mario Hermoso replied late on, only to see red in stoppage time.
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Real joy, though, was overshadowed by “monkey” shouts from swarms of Atletico supporters before the match.
And claims hit social media of stewards doing nothing to stop the behaviour outside Atleti’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
Such anger over the chants lit the fuse for another fierce derby.
And Carlo Ancelotti‘s men responded best, making it nine wins in nine games this season, their sixth in LaLiga.
Yet Atletico menaced twice early on in this heated clash.
Felipe headed Rodrigo de Paul’s free-kick over and Yannick Carrasco had a shot deflected wide.
But Real netted brilliantly on 18 minutes from their first chance.
In-form Brazil forward Rodrygo sublimely finished off Aurelien Tchouameni’s fine pass.
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Valverde doubled the lead after Vinicius Jr’s shot came back off a post.
But Atletico improved after the break, helped by Hermoso coming on in the 72nd minute.
The Spain defender cut the deficit off his shoulder 11 minutes later after Thibaut Courtois flapped at a corner
But he was booked for dissent and soon harshly sent off for a second yellow card after shoving Dani Ceballos.
The pre-match racism, however, left a bitter taste.
And social media was blitzed by calls for Atletico to be punished.
One observer posted “I feel sick” and another stressed the number of offenders as he tweeted: “It’s f***ing thousands. I’m at a loss for words”.
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