Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid Review
Real Madrid’s initial seven-game winning run in all competitions for the 2025/26 season came to an abrupt end as they suffered a 5-2 defeat against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano. The Madrid derby typically has significant consequences for the La Liga title race, and even at this early point, Los Blancos aimed to extend their lead over Atlético to 12 points with a win. It is often said that usual form doesn’t apply in derbies, and this was clearly demonstrated in the Spanish capital during the early moments, as Diego Simeone’s team overwhelmed a struggling Real Madrid side.
Their control paid off in the 14th minute when they took the lead, with Robin Le Normand outjumping Éder Militão to head in Giuliano Simeone’s cross, marking just his second league goal for Atlético. Xabi Alonso’s team struggled defensively and were under pressure for much of the first 20 minutes, but they demonstrated why they top La Liga by scoring a clinical equalizer. Arda Güler delivered a perfect through ball to Kylian Mbappé on the inside right, and the French forward confidently finished to net his 12th goal in 10 games this season for club and country.
The visitors had the momentum and capitalized with another outstanding goal to take the lead. Güler, who assisted the first goal, scored the second himself by volleying in a precise cross from Vinícius Júnior. An animated Simeone celebrated on the sidelines before halftime when Koke’s cross from the left found Alexander Sørloth, who slipped between Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras to head in an Atlético equalizer during stoppage time.
Although a slower pace might have been expected after such an intense first half, Atlético had other plans and regained the lead within six minutes of the second half starting. Güler went from hero to villain for Real Madrid by conceding a penalty for a high foot on Nicolás González, which Julián Alvarez converted, beating Thibaut Courtois despite the goalkeeper diving in the right direction. Just like in the first half, Real were being easily dismantled here, with Courtois stopping Sørloth before Alvarez curled in a beautiful free-kick to give the home team a two-goal lead.
Alonso’s side had no answer this time and ultimately failed to produce any kind of comeback in a subdued final third of an intense derby, where Antoine Griezmann slid in a fifth goal for the dominant hosts. This result could be the perfect boost for Atleti’s struggling season, and although visiting Real remain at the top, they risk being overtaken by Barcelona after suffering only their second defeat in nine La Liga away matches.
