In a seismic shock at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid delivered a devastating 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, ending Los Blancos’ perfect start to the La Liga season in the most emphatic fashion possible. Julian Alvarez stole the show with a magnificent brace, including a world-class free-kick, as Diego Simeone’s side inflicted Xabi Alonso’s first La Liga defeat as Real Madrid coach.
What began as an enthralling derby evolved into a defensive nightmare for Real Madrid, who suffered their heaviest defeat against Atletico since 1950. The visitors’ aerial vulnerability was ruthlessly exposed, with two headed goals highlighting systemic defensive issues that Alonso will need to address urgently.
Alvarez’s performance served as sweet redemption after his controversial penalty miss contributed to Atletico’s Champions League elimination to Real Madrid last season. The Argentine striker outshined Kylian Mbappé in a contest that saw Real Madrid’s perfect record crumble under the intensity of derby football.
Table of Contents
First Half: Goal-fest Sets the Tone (2-2)
Early Atletico Dominance
Atletico Madrid started aggressively and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Robin Le Normand rose highest to power home a header from a corner kick. The French center-back’s goal came from excellent delivery and highlighted Real Madrid’s early struggles with aerial duels.
Real Madrid looked rattled in the opening stages, with Atletico’s direct approach and physical intensity catching the visitors off guard. The home side’s pressing and energy levels were noticeably higher, forcing Real Madrid into uncomfortable situations.
Real Madrid’s Response
Los Blancos showed their quality with a swift response in the 25th minute. Kylian Mbappé demonstrated why he’s La Liga’s leading scorer, darting onto Arda Güler’s perfectly-timed through ball and finishing clinically past Jan Oblak. The goal showcased Real Madrid’s ability to create chances even when under pressure.
The comeback was completed just 12 minutes later when Güler put Real Madrid ahead with a composed finish. Vinícius Júnior provided the assist with a sublime piece of skill, cutting back from the byline after leaving defenders in his wake. Güler arrived late in the box and made no mistake from close range.
Atletico’s Late Equalizer
Just when it seemed Real Madrid would take a lead into halftime, Atletico struck back in dramatic fashion. Alexander Sørloth rose between Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras to head past Thibaut Courtois in the 45+2 minute. The goal came as no surprise given Real Madrid’s struggles with aerial balls throughout the half.
The Norwegian striker’s equalizer proved to be a turning point, maintaining Atletico’s momentum and ensuring they went into the break level despite Real Madrid’s brief dominance.
Second Half: Atletico Dominance (3-0)
The Penalty Turning Point
The second half’s defining moment came in the 52nd minute when Arda Güler’s high boot caught Nicolás González in the face inside the penalty area. After a brief VAR review, referee Javier Alberola Rojas pointed to the spot. Julian Alvarez stepped up and coolly converted to restore Atletico’s lead, sending Courtois the wrong way.
Alvarez’s Moment of Magic
The Argentine produced the moment of the match in the 64th minute with an absolutely stunning free-kick from 25 yards. After being fouled by Raúl Asencio, Alvarez lined up the set-piece and curled a magnificent effort that swerved and dipped over the wall and beyond Courtois’ desperate dive. The ball nestled perfectly in the top corner – a goal that will be remembered for years to come.
Griezmann’s Coup de Grâce
Antoine Griezmann added the finishing touch in stoppage time, coolly slotting past Courtois after being set up by Alex Baena. The veteran Frenchman’s goal capped off a memorable derby victory and completed Real Madrid’s humiliation.
Tactical Analysis
Alonso’s Gamble Backfires
Xabi Alonso’s decision to start Jude Bellingham proved to be a costly mistake. The England international, returning from injury with limited match fitness, was thrown into the intensity of a Madrid derby and struggled to cope. His inclusion unbalanced Real Madrid’s midfield structure, leaving Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni exposed and disrupting the formula that had worked so well in previous matches.
As one analysis noted: “Bellingham didn’t look fit enough for the intensity of this game… and failed to give the needed support to the defence, exposing Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouameni in the middle.”
Defensive Disasters
Real Madrid’s defensive performance was catastrophic, particularly in aerial duels. The team conceded two headed goals in the first half alone, continuing a worrying trend where eight of the last 10 goals Atletico have scored against Real Madrid have been headers.
Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras endured arguably their worst performances of the season, unable to handle the physicality of Alexander Sørloth and Atletico’s direct approach. Éder Militão’s early injury and half-time substitution further disrupted Real Madrid’s defensive structure.
Atletico’s Direct Approach
Diego Simeone’s tactical setup was perfectly executed, with the team pressing high and playing direct balls to exploit Real Madrid’s aerial weakness. The inclusion of Koke sitting deep alongside three natural center-backs provided defensive stability while allowing for quick transitions.
Atletico’s energy and intensity levels were significantly higher than Real Madrid’s, winning crucial duels throughout the pitch and capitalizing on their opponents’ defensive frailties.
Key Performances
Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) – 9/10
The man of the match delivered when it mattered most. His penalty was coolly taken, but his free-kick was a moment of pure brilliance that showcased his technical ability under pressure. The Argentine’s performance was a statement of intent and perfect redemption after last season’s Champions League disappointment.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – 7/10
Despite the defeat, Mbappé showed his class with a well-taken equalizer. His movement and finishing ability were evident even with limited service, and he reached 10 goals for the season in just eight games. However, he couldn’t prevent his team’s defensive collapse.
Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) – 4/10
A night to forget for the young defender, who was repeatedly exposed by Atletico’s aerial threat. His struggles against Sørloth’s physicality highlighted the gulf in experience and the pressure of playing in such a high-stakes match.
Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid) – 8/10
The French defender’s opening goal set the tone for Atletico’s victory. His header demonstrated the aerial prowess that Real Madrid couldn’t match, and he was solid defensively throughout.
Post-Match Reactions
Xabi Alonso’s Honest Assessment
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso didn’t shy away from the reality of the defeat, stating: “It was a bad match. We didn’t start well, we didn’t play well collectively, nor in terms of the quality of our play with and without the ball. We are in a rebuilding phase, today is our first defeat and this will continue.”
The Spanish coach acknowledged his tactical mistakes: “We’ll analyse the decisions afterwards, but we’ll learn from them. And we won’t forget this tough defeat. It hurts, it hurts the fans, but it’s a process.”
When asked about what worried him most, Alonso was frank: “The fact that we lacked that intensity, that adjustment to counteract better… Today, I think the team didn’t compete at the level required for these matches, against these opponents.”
Historical Context
This defeat marked Real Madrid’s first time conceding five goals against Atletico Madrid in a competitive fixture since 1950. The last time Real Madrid suffered such a heavy defeat to their city rivals in 90 minutes was in 2015 at the Vicente Calderon.
The result also continued Real Madrid’s poor record at the Metropolitano, with the team failing to win in their last five visits to Atletico’s home ground.
League Implications
The victory moved Atletico Madrid into fourth place in La Liga, providing crucial momentum after a difficult start to the season. For Real Madrid, the defeat dropped them to 18 points from seven games (6-0-1 record), just two points ahead of Barcelona before the Catalans’ match against Real Sociedad.
Barcelona now have the opportunity to overtake Real Madrid at the top of the table with a victory on Sunday, adding extra pressure on Alonso’s side to respond quickly from this setback.
This defeat represents Real Madrid’s first major test under Xabi Alonso, and the response will be crucial for the team’s development. The defensive issues exposed by Atletico’s direct approach need immediate attention, particularly the aerial vulnerability that has become a recurring theme.
For Atletico Madrid, this victory could be the catalyst for their season. After struggling in their opening fixtures, Simeone’s side showed they remain formidable opponents when they reach their intensity levels, especially at home.
The Madrid derby once again proved why it’s considered one of football’s most unpredictable fixtures, with Atletico’s triumph serving as a reminder that form counts for little when these two sides meet.
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FAQs
What was the final score and key moments?
Atletico Madrid won 5-2 with goals from Le Normand, Sørloth, Alvarez (penalty and stunning free-kick), and Griezmann. Real Madrid replied through Mbappé and Güler but couldn’t cope with Atletico’s intensity.
Why did Real Madrid’s perfect start end?
Defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed, particularly aerial vulnerability. Xabi Alonso’s decision to start the unfit Jude Bellingham also unbalanced the midfield and left the defense exposed.
How significant was Julian Alvarez’s performance?
Alvarez scored twice, including a world-class free-kick, serving as redemption after his penalty miss cost Atletico in last season’s Champions League against Real Madrid.
What did Xabi Alonso say about the defeat?
Alonso admitted “it was a bad match” and acknowledged tactical mistakes, calling it part of “a rebuilding phase” while emphasizing the team “didn’t compete at the level required.”
What are the league implications?
The defeat dropped Real Madrid to 18 points, just two ahead of Barcelona who can now overtake them. Atletico moved to fourth place, gaining crucial momentum after a poor start.
