Atlético 2-1 Real Madrid: the derby slips away from Mourinho

The Metropolitano has once again gotten the better of Real Madrid. In a derby that was locked down for a long time, Atlético eventually blew the match open after the break and won 2-1 against a Real side that had nonetheless started its season well.

A first half under control

The first half is an arm-wrestle. Little space, plenty of duels and the Madrid stars kept under control. Vinícius tries to accelerate without finding a way through, Bellingham works enormously but struggles to have an impact between the lines, while Arda Güler provides the rare sparks of creativity. Mbappé, for his part, is completely shut down: Atlético close off the central channel and prevent the Frenchman from attacking the space in behind.

Simeone above all won the positional battle. His block can quickly transform, with Giuliano Simeone very aggressive in the spaces and full-backs able to push forward as soon as Real drop back. The goal is clear: draw Madrid in, then attack behind their defenders.

The turning point: penalty, red card and hammer blow

The demonstration comes after the break. In the 50th minute, Giuliano gets in behind Huijsen. A foul in the box, a red card and a penalty. Grimaldo converts (53rd minute).

Mourinho is then forced to sacrifice Güler for Rüdiger and takes off Vinícius to bring on Yann Diomandé. But the sending-off destroys Real's balance. Down to ten men, Bellingham and Valverde have to cover more ground, while Mbappé finds himself even more isolated.

Atlético keep pushing, Real crack

And Atlético keep pushing exactly where they identified the weakness. In the 59th minute, Giuliano breaks through again and finds Jonathan David for the 2-0. Same pattern, same space, another punishment. Koke, brought on at half-time, meanwhile adds more control in midfield and allows the Colchoneros to slow down or speed up the game at the right moment.

Diomandé finally changes the look of Real's play. More direct, more vertical, the Ivorian forces Atlético to retreat and creates a chance saved by Oblak. Rüdiger pulls one back in the 89th minute, but too late.