Atltico Madrid edge Real Madrid 2-1 in the Madrid derby The ‘Madrid derby’ took place in Riyadh on September 20, 2026 with all the usual tension, drama and controversy. Real Madrid had a man sent off in the second-half – which proved to be one of the pivotal moments.
The win also rewarded Atltico with a precious three points in one of the biggest games of the LaLiga calendar. Real Madrid, on the other hand, had to settle for nothing as they could not claw back from the deficit, despite a late goal.
Quiet First Half Brings Plenty of Tension
Nothing came in the first half, but it was not a quiet match by any means. Both sides had a spell of pressure at some stage of the game with numerous struggles to bring on controversy.
Real Madrid players got caught up in a few physical battles and the referee also needed VAR to have a look at events.
The other significant moment was between Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham. Romero was only shown a yellow card after a VAR check for kicking Bellingham. The next challenge that sparked controversy saw Lee Kang-in and Federico Valverde come together.
However, the first half finished goalless, although the game was fierce from the off.
Real Madrid Reduced to 10 Players
The tournament was a HUGE turning point, and it happened early on in the second half. Atltico was awarded the penalty when Dean Huijsen tripped up Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area.
Initially, the referee had booked Huijsen for the tackle. After a second checking using the Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR), the booking was upgraded to a red one.
Real Madrid had to settle for 10 men. It was a huge advantage for Atltico who was setting up to take the penalty.
Grimaldo Gives Atletico the Lead
Alex Grimaldo took the penalty and successfully scored in 52th minute. The goal banged the net and the fans at the stadium went berserk after the goal which made Atltico go 1-0 ahead.
It was now a nine-man Real Madrid who had to be on the back-foot and also take the game to the opposition.
Atltico pressed on and was more comfortable after going ahead. Madrid lacked creation, but Atltico looked dangerous going forward.
Jonathan David Doubles the Advantage
Axitxo of Atltico Madrid in the 59th minute. Jonathan David scored this time after a high-level attack.
Canadian forward scored with a shot from a tight angle following some space created by the Atltico on the right flank. The goal doubled the advantage for real Madrid and got them into a precarious position.
Atltico kept coming as the second goal was not enough. Several forward changes were made by Real Madrid in search of an equalizer.
Rüdiger Gives Real Madrid Hope
Madrid got a goal in the 89th minute. Antonio Rudiger scored a header on the set-piece to bring the deficit to 2-1.
The final minutes of the game were filled with new excitement thanks to the last minute of the game goals. Real Madrid was searching an equaliser but Atltico was able to stop them.
The final whistle was a 2-1 win for Atltico Madrid.
Atlético Madrid Take Derby Points
It was a decisive victory for Atltico, in front of their own fans. They were patient in the first half, and benefited from the extra player following Huijsen’s red card.
In the case of Real Madrid, the sending off was a huge turning point. The visitors were inspired by Rdiger’s late goal but could not overcome the deficit and share the spoils.
Overall, it was a treacherous encounter in the Madrid derby. Grimaldo and Jonathan David’s goals were enough for Atltico to claim victory and Rdiger’s late goal kept the game tense.
The 2-1 outcome secured Atltico another famous derby win, bringing the curtain down on a dramatic night at the Metropolitano.
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