Real Madrid celebrate Atletico 2022-23Getty Images

Vinicius Junior dances above the hate! Real Madrid winners, losers and ratings from emotional derby clash with Atletico

Vinicius Junior appeared to be as amped as he's ever been on a football pitch when team-mate and compatriot Rodrygo put Real Madrid ahead of Atletico Madrid with a tremendous first-half strike.

The celebratory dancing was smooth, but the yell Vinicius Junior let out right after was raw. A release of sorts after spending the build-up to a derby facing racist abuse rather than getting to focus on his opponent.

Real Madrid backed their star winger on Sunday with a cohesive team performance that preserved their perfect La Liga record. Six wins from six in the Spanish top-flight this season, plus two from two in the Champions League and a victory in the UEFA Super Cup.

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Their togetherness, as much as anything else, fuelled their dramatic European triumph last year and has only grown stronger this term. Carlo Ancelotti built a family.

They all met with smiles again when Federico Valverde doubled the advantage in the 36th minute and were relieved when Mario Hermoso's 83rd-minute goal proved nothing more than a consolation.

Bad actors at the Wanda Metropolitano marred the occasion with vile monkey chants before the match and during its latter stages, however the defining image was arguably still the bright energy of Vinicius Junior and his team-mates as they marched to their derby victory.

"Dance wherever you want," he tweeted right after the win.