Atletico Madrid rode a fierce derby atmosphere to beat 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano on Sunday, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David finding the net.
Antonio Ruediger gave Real Madrid late hope with an 89th-minute header from a free kick. However, Atletico held on after Dean Huijsen saw red early in the second half.
The win moved Atletico above Real into second place with 16 points. They sit one point ahead of Real and Betis, while leaders Barcelona remain five points clear after beating Sevilla 3-1 on Saturday.
Atletico start fast
The home crowd created a fierce atmosphere from the opening whistle.
Atletico almost took the lead inside the first minute. David missed from close range after the hosts launched a quick counter-attack.
The first half then turned into a physical battle. The main flashpoint came in the 35th minute.
Jude Bellingham initially received a yellow card after a challenge involving Cristian Romero. VAR stepped in, and the referee cancelled the booking before showing Romero a yellow card for stamping on Bellingham’s thigh.
Real players protested and felt Romero deserved a red card.
They complained again before halftime. This time, they wanted Lee Kang-in sent off after he appeared to stamp on Federico Valverde.
Huijsen sees red
Atletico returned from the break with more attacking intent.
Alex Baena forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine save from distance. The Real goalkeeper then denied Grimaldo with another strong stop.
Real’s defence finally cracked in the 52nd minute.
Giuliano Simeone raced behind the defence to meet David Hancko’s long pass. Huijsen arrived late and pulled him down inside the box.
The referee awarded a penalty and showed Huijsen a straight red card.
Grimaldo made no mistake from the spot. He sent a low penalty to Courtois’ right in the 53rd minute to put Atletico ahead.
Six minutes later, Atletico doubled their lead.
Lee and Simeone combined down the right before Simeone sent a low cross into the box. David met it with a first-time finish and beat Courtois.
Real fight back
Real nearly pulled one back in the 65th minute. Courtois denied Romero from close range before Ibrahima Konate cleared Julian Alvarez’s follow-up off the line.
Ruediger finally gave Real hope with his late header.
But Atletico stayed in control and protected their lead until the final whistle.
Alvarez had a chance to make it 3-1 in stoppage time, but he missed a golden opportunity.
The result gives Atletico a derby win and moves them above Real in the LaLiga table.
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