Only two players in Europe’s top five leagues have more goals in all competitions in 2026 than Vinícius’ 12.
Real Madrid remain just four points behind FC Barcelona in the LALIGA EA SPORTS title race, following a dramatic 3-2 victory in ELDERBI DE MADRID. After Barça defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the first of Sunday’s games, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side knew they needed to collect all three points in the capital city derby, something they hadn’t done since September of 2022. But, that’s exactly what they did, with Vinícius leading Los Blancos to a memorable win which keeps their title chances alive. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Atlético de Madrid actually scored first, with winter signing Ademola Lookman netting very much against the run of play to give the visitors a 1-0 half-time lead. Real Madrid then started the second half really well, with Brahim Díaz winning a penalty which Vinícius converted, before Fede Valverde kept up his impressive scoring form by firing past Juan Musso moments later. A Nahuel Molina rocket into the top corner levelled the scores again, at 2-2, but there was another twist to come.
Vinícius had never scored a LALIGA EA SPORTS goal against Atlético de Madrid in 12 appearances before Sunday night, and had only scored one goal against the city rivals in all competitions, in a Copa del Rey game. After scoring his first-ever league derby goal from the penalty spot, the Brazilian then followed that up with a terrific shot from the edge of the area, which flew into the bottom corner in the 72nd minute to retake the lead.
Despite Fede Valverde receiving a straight red card, and Julián Alvarez striking the woodwork, Real Madrid managed to hold on to make that Vinícius strike the winning goal, and to keep the LALIGA EA SPORTS title race very much alive.
12 goals in 2026 for Vinícius
Vinícius’ brace was his second of the week, after also scoring twice in the midweek Champions League victory over Manchester City. The 25-year-old is rediscovering his best scoring form, having netted 12 goals already this calendar year.
Only two players in Europe’s top five leagues have more goals in all competitions in 2026 than Vinícius’ 12, namely Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (18 goals) and Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav (13 goals). Curiously, the Real Madrid forward is level on 12 goals alongside two FC Barcelona players: Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Speaking after Sunday’s derby victory, Vinícius explained that he feels like he is back to his best form. He stated: “I feel very happy because I’ve worked hard throughout the season for matches like these, and when this time of the season comes, I don’t know what happens to me. I always improve, I always score goals, I provide assists, and that’s what we players are here for. The president always tells me I have to score two goals, so I scored these two goals for him.”
The forward added that the March international break might have come at the wrong time for him and the team: “It’s a shame. The best thing would be to keep playing without stopping now because we’re on a very good run, but we’re going with the national team. Hopefully, everyone can return without injuries because the most important stretch of the season is coming.”
When Real Madrid come back, they’ll visit RCD Mallorca for an important Matchday 30 game in LALIGA EA SPORTS, before approaching their Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. With Vinícius in such great form, Madridistas know that anything is possible this season.
