Real Madrid star’s achievement vs Atletico Madrid lauded by national team | OneFootball

Real Madrid came away with a crucial win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night, defeating them 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

Goals from Vinicius Jr. (x2) and Federico Valverde clinched the three points for Los Blancos after they had initially fallen behind on the night.

Special night for Andriy Lunin

It also turned out to be quite a memorable outing for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who started in the derby in the injury-enforced absence of Thibaut Courtois.

Towards the close of the match, the Ukrainian international had to don the captain’s armband in what was a notable milestone for him.

It was not Lunin’s first time wearing the captain’s armband for Real Madrid, but it was perhaps his most significant.

After previously captaining the side in a Copa del Rey match against CF Talavera, the Ukrainian goalkeeper was once again entrusted with the role in the final stages of the derby victory.

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And, Lunin’s special moment earned recognition from the Ukraine national football team.

“Andriy Lunin is the first Ukrainian to captain Real Madrid in La Liga,” the Ukrainian national team posted on social media following the achievement.

Why Lunin got the armband

Lunin’s opportunity arose late in the match against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu after multiple changes in captaincy.

Captain Dani Carvajal initially wore the armband, before passing it to Federico Valverde upon his substitution. After the Uruguayan’s red card, the armband moved to Vinicius Jr., who was taken off the field in the 87th minute, with Lunin then taking over the captaincy.

“Of course being captain fills you with pride. I have dedicated a lot of work and time. The club has always supported me,” Lunin said after the match, as quoted by MARCA.