Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s side finally got the better of their city rivals in their third encounter of the season.
Rodrygo’s early brilliance gave Real Madrid a dream start, but they quickly lost momentum as Atlético Madrid fought back into the game. However, in the end, the 15-time Champions League winners held on for a crucial 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash, taking a step toward the quarterfinals.
Playing at Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, Real Madrid secured a hard-fought win with three stunning goals—one from Rodrygo, another from Brahim Díaz, and a brilliant strike from Julián Álvarez to equalize for Atlético in the first half.
A Tight Battle with Moments of Brilliance
Possession was evenly contested, but Real Madrid had the upper hand in attack. The home side took 13 shots, seven of which were on target, while Atlético managed six attempts with only two testing the goalkeeper.
After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga, Madrid responded in style. Just four minutes into the game, Federico Valverde played a brilliant through ball to Rodrygo, who burst past his marker, controlled the ball inside the box, and fired a superb shot past the goalkeeper to give Madrid an early lead.
Shortly after, Rodrygo made another dangerous run into the box but was brought down by Atlético defender Javi Galán. Madrid’s players appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved it off.
Atlético gradually grew into the game, launching counterattacks after surviving Madrid’s early pressure. After two wayward attempts, they finally found the breakthrough in the 32nd minute.
Julián Álvarez displayed his class with a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past Eduardo Camavinga on the left before unleashing a powerful strike from a tight angle. Thibaut Courtois stretched to reach it but couldn’t stop the ball from curling inside the post.
Madrid’s momentum dipped after conceding, and despite a half-chance for Valverde before halftime, they struggled to create clear opportunities.
Díaz’s Stunning Winner Secures Victory
In the 53rd minute, Real Madrid almost paid the price for their sluggish second-half start when Rodrigo De Paul found himself in space inside the box, but he failed to control the ball, wasting a golden chance for Atlético.
Just two minutes later, Madrid struck back with a swift counterattack. Ferland Mendy played a short pass to Díaz, who weaved past two defenders and, surrounded by five Atlético players, fired a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to restore Madrid’s lead.
Atlético came close to equalizing again in the 58th minute, but Courtois produced a brilliant save to deny Antoine Griezmann’s angled shot. A minute later, José María Giménez’s strike flew just over the crossbar.
Madrid had chances to extend their lead in stoppage time, but Luka Modrić’s long-range effort was comfortably saved, and Vinícius Júnior’s attempt on the counterattack was blocked by Atlético’s defense.
A Decisive Second Leg Awaits
The two Madrid derbies in La Liga this season both ended in 1-1 draws, but this time, despite a strong performance, Atlético fell short. However, with the second leg set to take place at the Wanda Metropolitano next Wednesday, Diego Simeone’s men still have plenty to fight for.
