Real Madrid beat Atletico to return to La Liga top spot in derby marred by racist chants

Real Madrid defeated city rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday night to return to the top of La Liga but it was a match marred by racist chants before and during the game.

Rodrygo and Federico Valverde gave the champions a two-goal lead in the first half before Mario Hermoso pulled one back for the hosts in the 83rd minute, only to get sent off in injury time.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, with a 100 per cent record from six games. This victory took Real two points above Barcelona, who had leapfrogged them into first on Saturday.

But the game was marred by racist chants aimed at Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior outside the stadium before the game, sparked by criticism of his dancing goal celebrations and a subsequent debate over whether that criticism was racist.

Fans also threw objects at Vinicius after a Real goal and aimed racist chants at him in the closing stages.

After another Brazilian, Rodrygo, broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, he danced in celebration with Vinicius, to the chagrin of Atletico's enraged supporters. Some threw objects, including lighters, at the duo.

"Derbies are always important but today was a bit different for what happened during the week," said Rodrygo. "We responded on the pitch, and I only talk for myself. I am very happy to play well and to score another goal."

Madrid were missing the injured Karim Benzema while the hosts picked Antoine Griezmann in the starting line-up for the first time this season, and they were on top in the opening stages.

Spurred on by the rowdy atmosphere, Diego Simeone's side pressed high up the pitch and put Real on the back foot, with Felipe heading over and Dani Carvajal