Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-1 derby victory over Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, a night shaped as much by refereeing disputes and a red card as by the home side’s greater control. Diego Simeone’s team turned a tense, combustible contest in their favour after Dean Huijsen’s dismissal, with Alejandro Grimaldo’s penalty and Jonathan David’s close-range finish overcoming Antonio Rüdiger’s late reply.
What the night decided
Atlético emerged with the result and the stronger sense of direction. Their midfield gradually took command, Giuliano Simeone repeatedly drove the attacks, and Koke’s arrival brought further calm once the home side had established their lead.
Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho, struggled to impose either rhythm or authority. Thibaut Courtois was increasingly exposed as Atlético won possession high up the pitch, while Madrid’s midfield pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde offered little route forward.
The hosts had shown their intention from the opening minutes. Giuliano created the first notable chance, only for Jonathan David to head off target, and he continued to cause problems down the flank against Marc Cucurella. Vinícius Júnior, meanwhile, endured another difficult evening amid whistles from the stands and was unable to offer consistent defensive support.
VAR controversy takes over the derby
The match had already been heated after Álex Baena fouled Arda Güler, provoking a confrontation that brought a booking for Simeone. Johnny Cardoso then challenged Jude Bellingham, before Güler responded with a foul on Baena.
The major flashpoint arrived when Cristian Romero caught Bellingham on the knee with his studs. VAR official Trujillo alerted referee Ortiz Arias to the incident, but Romero received only a yellow card. Soon afterwards, Kang-in Lee also avoided a dismissal after a high challenge on Valverde, an incident viewed as less deliberate but potentially more dangerous.
Madrid’s anger was heightened by previous concerns over Ortiz Arias’s familiarity with Barcelona players. The visitors believed the referee and VAR had failed to apply the same standard in the first half.
After the interval, however, Huijsen pulled back Giuliano after the Atlético player had brought the ball under control and was preparing to face Courtois. Ortiz Arias initially showed yellow, but changed it to red after reviewing the decision. Grimaldo converted the resulting spot-kick to put Atlético ahead.
Atlético make their advantage count
Simeone had made three changes from the side that had beaten Osasuna heavily. Pubill started at full-back, while Marcos Llorente and Cardoso added power in midfield. Julián Alvarez began among the substitutes, despite Jonathan David arriving after scoring in each of his previous two appearances.
Mourinho made fewer alterations. Denzel Dumfries replaced Trent, Bellingham came in for Diomande, and Vinícius retained his place in an attacking line also featuring Kylian Mbappé. The planned midfield structure did not deliver the intended control.
With Madrid reduced to 10 men and trailing, Mourinho replaced Vinícius with Diomande. The change could not prevent Atlético extending their advantage: Giuliano supplied a cross for David to finish from close range. Simeone then introduced Julián Alvarez as the Metropolitano settled into celebration.
Atlético nearly made it three when Courtois produced an outstanding save from Romero’s header, before Rüdiger blocked Julián Alvarez’s attempt from the rebound. Madrid did find a late goal through Rüdiger, and Diomande later went through one-on-one against Jan Oblak, but Atlético saw out the closing stages with relative assurance.
Bernardo Silva’s influence in possession offered Atlético another important dimension, while Koke’s control helped Simeone’s side manage the final period. For Atlético, the derby reinforced the feeling of a team gathering momentum; for Madrid, the defeat exposed problems that ran beyond one contentious refereeing night.
