Madrid's dancing duo hit their rhythm

MADRID－Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior didn't hesitate after Real Madrid opened the scoring at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The Brazilian duo went toward one of the corner flags and began doing their samba-like dance moves near the Atletico Madrid fans.

With its young Brazilians not backing away from their dancing, Madrid beat city rival Atletico 2-1 in the Spanish league to extend its perfect start to the season on Sunday.

Rodrygo and Federico Valverde scored first-half goals as the defending champion won its ninth match in a row in all competitions.

"Dance wherever you want," Vinicius wrote on Twitter in a message directed at Rodrygo after the game, along with a photo of them celebrating the goal.

The result restored Madrid as the league leader after it had been overtaken by Barcelona on Saturday following the Catalan club's 3-0 win against Elche for its fifth straight victory. Madrid leads Barcelona by two points.

"It was a different game, the derby is always different," Rodrygo said. "This one was even more special because of everything that happened during the week, and we answered on the field."

The buildup to the first Madrid derby of the season had been surrounded by controversy over Vinicius' dancing during his goal celebrations. Vinicius, who is black, had criticized racist language used by a television sports talk show guest about his dances. The 22-year-old forward had said his actions were being criminalized but insisted he wouldn't stop showing his happiness on the field.

Atletico midfielder Koke predicted there could be trouble if Vinicius danced again at the Metropolitano, but there was no major reaction by Atletico players after the Brazilians danced following Madrid's first goal.

Atletico fans did not hold back from showing their displeasure, though, and some threw objects in the direction of the Madrid players.

Before the match, a video posted online apparently showed Atletico supporters calling Vinicius "a monkey" in chants outside the stadium.

Atletico's second league loss came despite using Antoine Griezmann from the start for the first time this season.

Coach Diego Simeone had been adding the France forward only after the 60-minute mark amid a contractual dispute in which Atletico would reportedly have to pay extra to Barcelona if Griezmann played a certain number of minutes in the season.

Rodrygo was in the starting lineup again to make up for the absence of striker Karim Benzema, who has missed three straight games because of a tendon injury.

Rodrygo opened the scoring with a neat first-time strike from inside the area after a perfect lob by midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni over the defense in the 18th minute. Valverde added to the lead off the rebound of a shot by Vinicius that hit the post in a 36th-minute breakaway after an assist by Luka Modric. Valverde, who has scored in three straight games, celebrated his goal by doing a yoga pose.

" (Valverde) and Rodrygo are very special players, because they are what the modern footballer has to be," said coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"They can play in various positions, they have something that stands out, technique, physique, we are delighted with them."

Atletico pulled one closer in the 83rd with a goal from Mario Hermoso, who was sent off in stoppage time for an altercation with a Madrid player inside the area.

Atletico looked more in control throughout the match but couldn't threaten much, while Madrid constantly appeared dangerous with the speed of Rodrygo and Vinicius up front.

Agencies Via Xinhua