Madrid’s derby turned on a burst of running from Giuliano Simeone, whose work on Atlético de Madrid’s right side supplied the decisive moments after half-time against Real Madrid. Much discussed for his end product this season, the Argentine answered with a penalty won, an assist and a defensive display that carried through to the closing minutes.
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Atlético began the second half with greater purpose, and Simeone’s run into the Real Madrid area quickly altered the contest. David Hancko spotted his movement and sent a through ball towards him; Dean Huijsen brought the midfielder down as he entered the box.
Referee Ortiz Arias immediately awarded the penalty. VAR then asked him to review a possible dismissal for Huijsen, and, after returning to the pitchside monitor, the official showed the Real Madrid player a red card.
Grimaldo converted from the spot to put Atlético ahead at a crucial point in the derby.
Six minutes later, Simeone was involved again. He received possession on the right, advanced down the flank and delivered a cross for Jonathan David, who finished from the middle of the penalty area to make it 2-0.
The contribution offered a direct response to criticism aimed at the 22-year-old. Simeone’s willingness to run and compete has rarely been questioned, though some have argued that he needs greater precision in the final third. Across eight appearances this season, he now has two goals, two assists and one penalty won — a useful return for a right-sided midfielder.
His evening was not confined to attack. Simeone worked to limit Vinicius Junior’s influence on Real Madrid’s left and remained active when the visitors pushed back into the match. Antonio Rudiger reduced the deficit late on, giving Real Madrid a route towards an equaliser, but Atlético’s wide player continued to make interventions, winning possession from Diomandé and denying Kylian Mbappe an opportunity inside the area.
For Atlético, the derby’s second-half swing was shaped by a player whose energy had already become familiar in Madrid. This time, it arrived with the final-ball contribution that his critics have demanded.
