Atlético Madrid secured the capital’s bragging rights with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in a heated La Liga derby at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Álex Grimaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Dean Huijsen was sent off for bringing down Giuliano Simeone. Jonathan David doubled Atlético’s advantage moments later before Antonio Rüdiger scored a late consolation goal for Real Madrid.
The result moved Diego Simeone’s team into second place with 16 points, one point ahead of their city rivals. However, the match was dominated by several controversial refereeing decisions that left Real Madrid furious.
Tense Opening at the Metropolitano
The Madrid derby began with the intensity expected from one of Spanish football’s fiercest rivalries.
Both teams competed aggressively in midfield, but clear goalscoring opportunities were limited during the opening half-hour. Atlético attempted to press Real Madrid and prevent José Mourinho’s side from controlling possession, while the visitors struggled to involve Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in dangerous areas.
The first major controversy arrived when Atlético defender Cuti Romero caught Jude Bellingham around the knee with his studs.
Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias initially showed Bellingham a yellow card but was advised to review the incident. After checking the pitchside monitor, the referee cancelled Bellingham’s booking and instead showed Romero a yellow card.
Real Madrid argued that Romero’s challenge deserved a red card.
Another disputed incident followed when Kang-In Lee caught Federico Valverde on the ankle. No foul or card was awarded, and VAR did not ask the referee to review the challenge.
Those two decisions would become major talking points after the final whistle.
Dean Huijsen’s Red Card Changes the Derby
The decisive moment came early in the second half.
Atlético defender David Hancko played a long pass into the path of Giuliano Simeone, who raced towards the Real Madrid penalty area. Huijsen attempted to stop the winger but pulled him down before he could shoot.
The referee immediately awarded Atlético a penalty and initially showed Huijsen a yellow card. After being advised to check the incident on the pitchside monitor, he upgraded the punishment to a red card.
Grimaldo stepped forward and confidently converted the penalty, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to give Atlético Madrid a 1-0 lead.
The decision completely changed the balance of the match. Real Madrid were forced to play the remainder of the derby with ten players, while Atlético gained the confidence and numerical advantage needed to increase their attacking pressure.
Mourinho reacted by introducing Rüdiger and Yan Diomandé in place of Arda Güler and Vinícius. However, the changes could not prevent Atlético from scoring again.
Jonathan David Doubles Atlético’s Advantage
Jonathan David made it 2-0 in the 59th minute following an excellent Atlético move down the right.
Kang-In Lee helped work the ball towards Giuliano Simeone, who delivered a dangerous low cross behind the Real Madrid defence. David reacted quickly inside the six-yard area and guided the ball beyond Courtois.
The goal placed Atlético firmly in control.
Simeone’s side continued attacking instead of simply defending its advantage. Courtois produced an outstanding save to deny Romero, while Ibrahima Konaté cleared Julián Álvarez’s effort off the goal line.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, found it difficult to create opportunities. Mbappé was isolated in attack, and Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak remained largely untroubled for most of the second half.
Rüdiger Gives Real Madrid Late Hope
Real Madrid finally created a clear opportunity when Diomandé broke through Atlético’s defence, but Oblak made an important save.
The visitors eventually pulled one goal back in the 89th minute.
Bernardo Silva delivered a free-kick into the penalty area, and Rüdiger rose above the Atlético defenders to direct a powerful header into the net.
Rüdiger’s goal created a tense finish as Real Madrid pushed for an equaliser. Atlético defended with discipline during the closing minutes and held on to secure a valuable 2-1 victory.
La Liga’s official coverage confirmed that Atlético’s derby triumph moved them above Real Madrid in the standings. Watch the official La Liga match summary.
Real Madrid Protest Controversial Refereeing Decisions
Real Madrid strongly criticised the officiating following the match.
The club’s official report claimed that Romero and Kang-In Lee should both have been sent off before Huijsen received his red card. Madrid argued that the referee applied different standards to similar incidents and that the decisions significantly influenced the outcome. Read Real Madrid’s official match report.
Mourinho also arrived at his post-match press conference with images of the disputed challenges. The Real Madrid manager questioned whether Ortiz Arias had enough experience to handle the pressure of such an important derby.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone defended the officials and called for referees to be treated with respect. His players echoed that position, insisting that Atlético had earned the victory through their intensity, discipline and second-half performance.
While the officiating debate is likely to continue, Atlético still took full advantage of Real Madrid’s reduced numbers and created enough opportunities to deserve their victory.
What the Result Means for Atlético and Real Madrid
Atlético Madrid’s win moved them into second position with 16 points, one ahead of Real Madrid.
More importantly, the victory demonstrated that Simeone’s team can compete directly with Spain’s strongest clubs. Grimaldo provided composure from the penalty spot, Jonathan David delivered an important goal, and Giuliano Simeone played a major role in both decisive moments.
Real Madrid must respond quickly after another frustrating derby defeat. Mourinho will remain unhappy with the refereeing, but his team’s attacking performance will also require attention. Mbappé and Vinícius struggled to influence the match, while Atlético created several chances even after taking a two-goal lead.
Bet on La Liga with Bangbet
The Madrid derby demonstrated the drama and unpredictability that make La Liga one of the world’s most exciting football competitions.
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