Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in a tense La Liga derby on Sunday. Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored as Atlético punished their rivals after Dean Huijsen was sent off.
Real Madrid (1.83) struggled to create chances at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano despite their attacking talent. Antonio Rüdiger scored late, but Atlético held on to secure three valuable points.
Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid Struggle to Create Chances
The derby began with plenty of intensity but little attacking quality from either side. Real Madrid registered the first attempt after 20 minutes when Aurélien Tchouaméni fired over from distance. Atlético controlled more possession but struggled to turn that advantage into clear openings.
Real Madrid defended deep and looked to threaten when Atlético committed players forward. Kylian Mbappé briefly found space during one counter-attack, but Atlético recovered quickly. Vinícius Júnior also tried his luck twice before the interval, although neither effort seriously tested Jan Oblak. The home side remained patient and continued to build attacks from wide areas.
Atlético’s cautious approach meant the first half produced very few genuine chances. Arda Güler eventually forced Oblak into a save with a long-range effort in the 39th minute. That was the first shot on target from either team. As a result, the opening period ended goalless despite the quality on both sides.
The match became increasingly physical as the half progressed. Jude Bellingham was initially booked after a challenge involving Cristian Romero. However, the referee reviewed the incident and changed the yellow card to Romero after seeing his studs make contact with Bellingham’s knee. Real Madrid were also unhappy with a challenge by Lee Kang-in on Federico Valverde shortly before the break. The midfielder’s ankle was caught by Lee’s studs, but no red card followed.
Huijsen Red Card Changes the Derby
Atlético made a brighter start to the second half after introducing Koke. Alexander Sørloth’s side quickly increased the pressure and forced Real Madrid deeper. Baena then produced Atlético’s first shot on target of the match, setting the tone for a much more open period.
The decisive moment arrived shortly afterwards. David Hancko sent a long ball towards Giuliano Simeone, who raced into the Real Madrid penalty area. Huijsen pulled the Atlético forward down as he attempted to reach the ball. Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias initially awarded a penalty and showed Huijsen a yellow card.
VAR then intervened and asked the referee to review the incident. After watching the replay, Ortiz Arias upgraded the punishment to a straight red card. Real Madrid were suddenly down to 10 players, while Atlético had a major opportunity to take control of the derby.
Grimaldo stepped up to take the resulting penalty. The Atlético defender sent the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois and gave the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal came in the 52nd minute and immediately changed the shape of the contest. Real Madrid now had to chase the game with a numerical disadvantage.
Jonathan David Doubles Atlético’s Lead
Real Madrid responded by making attacking changes after falling behind. Mourinho removed Güler and Vinícius as he looked for a way back into the match. Rüdiger was introduced as part of the reshuffle, while Yan Diomandé also entered the contest.
Those changes did not immediately improve Real Madrid’s attacking threat. Atlético continued to find space and moved the ball with greater confidence. Lee Kang-in played an important role in the second goal, helping create the opening from the right side.
The South Korean midfielder combined with Giuliano Simeone before the Atlético forward delivered a low cross into the area. Jonathan David reacted quickly and converted from close range to make it 2-0. The striker’s finish arrived in the 59th minute and gave Atlético a comfortable advantage against 10 opponents.
David’s goal also continued his strong start to life at Atlético. The Canadian forward has become an important attacking option for Simeone. His movement inside the penalty area caused problems for Real Madrid’s defence throughout the second half. Moreover, his finish gave Atlético the cushion they needed to manage the final stages.
Real Madrid Fail to Respond
Real Madrid had little impact after going two goals behind. Atlético continued attacking despite holding a numerical advantage. Courtois then produced an excellent save to deny Romero as the hosts searched for a third goal.
Julián Álvarez also came close to adding another. His effort appeared destined for the net before Ibrahima Konaté cleared the ball off the line. Those chances underlined how much Atlético had taken control of the match. Real Madrid were struggling to create anything comparable at the other end.
Oblak remained largely untested for much of the second half. Real Madrid’s forwards could not consistently get into dangerous positions. Mbappé, in particular, had little influence on the game as Atlético’s defensive structure kept him away from goal.
With 15 minutes remaining, Diomandé finally created a serious opportunity for Real Madrid. He drove into space and forced Oblak into a save. The chance offered Madrid a route back into the match, but Atlético remained in control for most of the remaining minutes.
Rüdiger Gives Real Madrid Late Hope
Real Madrid eventually found a way through in the 89th minute. A set-piece delivery allowed Rüdiger to attack the ball inside the penalty area. The defender rose highest and headed past Oblak to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal suddenly changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Atlético had dominated the match after Huijsen’s dismissal, but Real Madrid now needed only one more goal to escape with a point. The hosts therefore had to defend their lead under late pressure.
Real Madrid pushed forward during the closing moments. Atlético remained organised and protected their penalty area effectively. Despite the late scare, Simeone’s side prevented another equaliser and secured the derby victory.
Atlético Madrid Move Above Real Madrid
The result moved Atlético Madrid up to second place in La Liga with 16 points. Real Madrid dropped to third on 15 points after suffering their second league defeat of the campaign. Barcelona remained at the top of the table after the latest round of matches.
Atlético’s victory was built around their response after half-time. The hosts created more danger once the match opened up. Huijsen’s red card then gave them an important numerical advantage. Grimaldo converted the penalty before David doubled the lead.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, failed to produce enough attacking pressure before or after the dismissal. Their forwards were largely contained, while Atlético repeatedly threatened on the counter. Even with Rüdiger’s late header, the visitors could not find an equaliser.
José Mourinho criticised the officiating of the fixture in the aftermath and Real Madrid described the officiating as “terrible”, but ultimately the points went to Diego Simeone’s side.
For Atlético, the 2-1 result provides an important boost in the early La Liga title race. Simeone’s team showed patience during a difficult first half and greater attacking purpose after the interval. Their defensive work also proved decisive when Real Madrid mounted a late comeback attempt.
The derby also provided plenty of talking points for fans following the match, including the Huijsen dismissal and several controversial challenges. Those incidents may attract attention among supporters and people following the game through online sports betting. However, the result ultimately came down to Atlético’s second-half efficiency and Real Madrid’s failure to create enough chances.
Atlético now have three points from one of the biggest fixtures on their domestic schedule. Real Madrid must respond in their next league match after leaving the Metropolitano empty-handed.
