Real Madrid Edges Atlético as Díaz Scores, Álvarez Stunner Keeps Tie Alive
Real Madrid Edges Atlético as Díaz Scores, Álvarez Stunner Keeps Tie Alive
The decisive moment in this clash will come 14 kilometers east of here in eight days. In a match that lacked fireworks but showcased three outstanding goals from Rodrygo, Julián Álvarez, and Brahim Díaz—each curling the ball expertly past the goalkeeper into the far corner—Real Madrid emerged victorious in the fifth European derby between these two sides. However, the result remains far from conclusive. With Atlético Madrid set to host the second leg next Wednesday, a far more intense battle awaits, and they will enter it with hope.
Diego Simeone may feel frustrated that his team, despite long spells of control, did not secure a win. Atlético responded after falling behind early, drawing level, only to be undone by Díaz’s decisive strike. Yet, he agreed with Carlo Ancelotti’s assessment that this contest was never going to be settled in a single night. It could have been better, but it could also have been worse: in the dying moments, Marcos Llorente’s last-ditch intervention denied Kylian Mbappé from setting up Vinícius for what could have been a heartbreaking late goal for the visitors. Even then, Vinícius found another opening, forcing José María Giménez into a crucial block. Just one goal separates these teams, and the battle is far from over.
The game started cautiously, both teams aware of the 180-minute struggle ahead. But it didn’t take long for Real Madrid to strike. Fede Valverde’s simple pass found Rodrygo, who outpaced Javi Galán, turned past Clément Lenglet, and curled the ball into the far corner.
Just two minutes later, Antonio Rüdiger’s long diagonal ball again exposed Galán, allowing Rodrygo to break free. He went down inside the area, but the referee, Clément Turpin, waved away his appeals. Moments later, Vinícius tested Giménez on the opposite flank. Atlético seemed overwhelmed—but only for a moment.
Simeone urged his players to stay composed, and they responded. When Álvarez broke down the right and crossed for Samuel Lino after 15 minutes, it was the visitors’ first real attack. More soon followed. Rodrigo De Paul took control in midfield, with Antoine Griezmann orchestrating movements that unsettled Madrid’s passive defense. Real, lacking a dominant presence in midfield, found themselves retreating. The home crowd’s frustration grew.
By the half-hour mark, Atlético’s pressure paid off. Álvarez collected the ball on the left side of the box, briefly lost possession, regained it, then surged past Eduardo Camavinga before unleashing a swerving shot that crashed in off the far post.
The second half began with Madrid under more pressure, as Atlético dictated play with steady possession. But experience had taught their fans that Real would inevitably find a spark. Sure enough, after an extended spell of Atlético control, Madrid struck.
Díaz, combining with Ferland Mendy and Vinícius, weaved his way into the box. With quick footwork, he sidestepped Giménez and curled a brilliant shot into the far corner—a strike reminiscent of the two earlier goals. The Bernabéu erupted. Atlético, however, pressed on, Griezmann firing just wide, only for Thibaut Courtois’ slight touch to prove crucial.
Ancelotti introduced Luka Modric to regain some midfield stability. In response, Simeone made changes of his own, bringing on Conor Gallagher and Nahuel Molina, followed by Robin Le Normand for Griezmann—a move suggesting a defensive shift to prevent further damage ahead of the second leg. But soon after, he sent on two strikers, Ángel Correa and Alexander Sørloth, hoping for a late equalizer.
Real, however, held firm. At the death, Vinícius threatened again, but Atlético survived. So did Madrid. The battle is far from over; next week promises an even greater spectacle.