La Liga: Atlético overcome Real Madrid (2-1)

20.09.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

2

:

Real Madrid

1

Atlético Madrid won the Madrid derby this Sunday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. After a fiercely contested first half with few clear-cut chances, the match burst into life after the break.

A cagey derby before a spectacular second half

The two teams cancelled each other out in the opening period. Real tried to build from the back, while Atlético gradually established themselves in the opposition half. The best chance came in the 30th minute, when Kang-in Lee forced Thibaut Courtois into his first save.

The game changed after the break. In the 50th minute, Giuliano Simeone got ahead of Dean Huijsen in the box and won a penalty. Initially booked, the Real defender was eventually sent off following a VAR review for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Álex Grimaldo converted the penalty in the 53rd minute.

Jonathan David doubles Atlético’s lead, Rüdiger pulls one back

With the numerical advantage, Atlético immediately capitalised on the situation. In the 59th minute, Jonathan David doubled the lead by throwing himself at Giuliano Simeone’s delivery.

José Mourinho responded with two changes in the 54th minute, bringing on Antonio Rüdiger and Diomandé for Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior. Real continued to struggle, although Courtois and then Ibrahima Konaté prevented Atlético from extending their lead. Los Colchoneros appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory, but Real kept the suspense alive in the 89th minute. Rüdiger headed in a free-kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The final minutes were tense, but Atlético held on until the end. With this victory, Atlético Madrid move above their neighbours in the standings and take second place in La Liga. Real Madrid, despite Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham starting the match, leave the Metropolitano empty-handed.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid

LaLiga Spain