Jonathan David struck again in the Madrid derby, scoring his third goal in three appearances for Atlético Madrid as Diego Simeone’s side beat Real Madrid 2-1 and moved above their neighbours in the Liga table.
The move
David’s early impact in his new colours continued on Sunday in a derby controlled by Atlético for long stretches. Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Real defender Dean Huijsen brought down Giuliano Simeone in the area.
Huijsen was sent off in the 49th minute for the challenge, leaving Real with 10 men for virtually the whole second half. Atlético made their numerical advantage count, with David adding the second goal and maintaining his perfect scoring start for the club.
The hosts played with authority and rarely appeared troubled until the closing minutes. Antonio Rüdiger pulled one back in the 89th minute, but it did not alter the outcome of a derby in which Real had struggled to impose themselves.
The French season around it
Kylian Mbappé was among the Real Madrid attacking players unable to find a way through Atlético’s aggressive defensive display. Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham also failed to create the decisive openings Real required after Huijsen’s dismissal.
Real’s first significant chance did not arrive until the 77th minute, when Yan Diomandé’s effort was stopped by Jan Oblak. Until then, Atlético had largely kept their opponents at arm’s length, although their defending occasionally pushed close to the limit.
There was also a major flashpoint shortly before the interval. Kang-in Lee could have been dismissed for an incident that was neither spotted by the referee nor reviewed as a red-card offence by VAR. The South Korean remained on the pitch and was an important figure in Atlético’s play, showing a growing understanding of Simeone’s approach.
With the victory, Atlético climbed into second place, ahead of Real Madrid and five points behind Barcelona. David’s goal ensured that the night belonged to Atlético’s new forward as much as to Simeone’s disciplined derby plan.
