At the Metropolitano, Real Madrid’s derby evening turned sharply after the interval as Dean Huijsen’s dismissal left the visitors chasing Atlético de Madrid with 10 men.
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The decisive incident came in the 52nd minute. Giuliano Simeone ran onto a lofted pass sent over Huijsen’s shoulder, and the Real Madrid defender held the Atlético player inside the area.
The referee initially awarded the penalty and showed Huijsen a yellow card. After a VAR review, however, he was instructed to study the challenge at the pitchside screen and upgraded the sanction to a red card, while keeping the penalty decision in place.
Grimaldo converted from the spot a minute later to give Atlético a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute.
José Mourinho responded immediately to the numerical disadvantage by withdrawing Vinicius and Arda Güler. Antonio Rüdiger and Diomande entered, with Jude Bellingham dropping deeper as Madrid reshaped into a 4-4-2.
