Madrid’s derby tilted decisively towards the red-and-white half of the capital on Sunday, as Atlético de Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano after Dean Huijsen’s second-half dismissal reshaped a contest Diego Simeone’s side had already begun to control.
Grimaldo converted the penalty awarded for Huijsen’s challenge on Giuliano, with the Real Madrid defender also shown a red card. Atlético then extended their lead when Giuliano supplied Jonathan David, leaving the home side in command before Antonio Rüdiger’s late goal gave the visitors a narrower final scoreline than their overall display deserved.
Atlético impose their rhythm
The opening half was cautious, with both teams showing considerable respect for the threat at the other end. Yet Atlético carried the greater purpose and kept Real Madrid away from Jan Oblak’s goal. The visitors were limited largely to two efforts from distance, and Oblak was not required to make a save.
Simeone’s approach was built around security in possession. Atlético avoided loose passes in their own build-up and, crucially, denied Real Madrid the open grass in which Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham can become especially dangerous.
After the interval, Simeone replaced the booked Pubill with Koke and adjusted his team into a 4-4-2. The change brought still more territorial control before the defining moment arrived: Huijsen fouled Giuliano in the penalty area, Grimaldo scored from the spot and Real were reduced to 10 men.
David strikes before Rüdiger’s late response
With a goal and an extra player in their favour, Atlético dominated possession. Real Madrid offered little pressure on the ball, allowing the home team to dictate the pace and keep the match away from their own penalty area.
Giuliano then turned creator, setting up Jonathan David for Atlético’s second. The Metropolitano only became uneasy near the end, when Rüdiger scored from a poorly defended sequence to pull one back for Real Madrid.
The late goal brought tension to the stadium but did not change the outcome. Simeone ran towards the tunnel in celebration at the final whistle, while José Mourinho focused his post-match attention on the officiating rather than his side’s performance.
The contrast with Simeone’s response to a disputed incident in last season’s meeting at the Bernabéu was notable. After Atlético were denied what they considered an obvious Carvajal foul on Llorente, the Argentine coach had insisted that the decision was not the reason his side failed to win, saying Atlético could have done more themselves.
