Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid faced off once again in el derbi madrileño, a heated clash with a rich history, including the Champions League finals of 2014 and 2016. Whenever the two teams from the Spanish capital meet, there is always something to look forward to.
The final match before the international break was set to be a high pressure one for the home side. Earlier in the day, league leaders FC Barcelona had secured a win against Rayo Vallecano, putting the Catalans seven points clear of Álvaro Arbeloa’s side. Losing the derby would therefore be a disastrous scenario in the title race.
Atlético had already put their title ambitions aside a few months ago. Their La Liga campaign has been inconsistent, though they remain comfortably in the top four. While things have gone well at their own Metropolitano, they have only managed four away wins. The focus for Los Rojiblancos now lies mainly on the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League. For Diego Simeone, who has been head coach since 2011, this marked his 50th Madrid derby.
This season, the teams had already met twice, with each side winning once. At the end of September, Los Blancos had a disastrous day at the Metropolitano, losing in a 5-2 goalfest. Later, Real Madrid took revenge in what turned out to be Xabi Alonso’s last victory, winning 2-1 in the Super Cup semi final. Notably, since September 2022, Los Blancos had not won a single La Liga match against their city rivals.
Both teams started without their undisputed first choice goalkeepers. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Thibaut Courtois would be out for around six to eight weeks, while Atlético’s Jan Oblak was sidelined with a muscle injury. This meant that Andriy Lunin and Juan Musso had their chance to prove themselves between the sticks.
After an opening phase in which both teams tried to impose themselves, the first real chance came after a little ten minutes. Man in form Federico Valverde used a clever move to get past Dávid Hancko and looked set to replicate his goal against Manchester City, but his shot hit the left post.
It did not take long for the visitors to respond. Just one minute later, a nice combination on the right between Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann set up an opportunity. The Frenchman played Llorente through on goal, but his effort was straight at Lunin. No goal for Llorente against his former club, but the derby had truly come to life.
Real Madrid then took control of the game and pushed Atlético deep into their own half. Through players like Arda Güler and several attempts from Vini Jr., the visitors managed to escape danger. Valverde also tried his luck from a free kick, but Musso dealt with it comfortably.
The game was looking for a goal and got that in the 33rd minute, Atlético took the lead against the run of play. After a long ball from Julián Álvarez, Ademola Lookman distributed play on the left flank. With plenty of space, Matteo Ruggeri delivered a cross into the box. The Italian found Giuliano Simeone, who brilliantly flicked the ball with his heel back to Lookman. The Nigerian forward only had to slot it past Lunin to make it 0-1.
Real Madrid came close to equalising before half time through a header from Aurélien Tchouaméni, but his effort went wide. A shot from Güler also failed to beat Musso, and the teams went into the break with Atlético leading 0-1. Notably, Real Madrid had not won a single match this season after trailing at half time.
However, Los Blancos quickly turned things around at the start of the second half. When Hancko brought down Brahim Díaz, referee José Luis Munuera pointed to the spot. Vini Jr stepped up and converted the penalty to equalise.
Atlético were still recovering from that blow when, just three minutes later, Real Madrid took the lead. José María Giménez failed to clear the ball properly, allowing Valverde to score and make it 2-1. Diego Simeone could hardly believe how quickly his team had let the lead slip.
The visitors refused to give up. With about half an hour to go, Álvarez tried his luck from outside the box but shot over. Soon after, substitute Nahuel Molina equalised with a stunning long range strike. Just like the previous week against Getafe, the Argentine World Cup winner produced a moment of brilliance. With a worldie from 25 meter he made it 2-2, and once again the derby delivered.
The second half was already an amazing rollercoaster, but it wasn’t over yet., as Vini scored his second goal of the evening. After a fine individual move, he beat substitute Álex Baena and curled the ball into the far corner, leaving Musso with no chance. A new lead and for the Brazilian the first goals against Atleti since January 2023.
With Jude Bellingham returning after a six week injury absence, things seemed to be going Real Madrid’s way. However, the match took another turn when Valverde received a straight red card for a foul on Giuliano Simeone. The Bernabéu was in disbelief as the Uruguayan was sent off.
With a man advantage, Atlético sensed an opportunity. Ten minutes before the end, Álvarez struck the post from outside the box, a huge let off for Real Madrid. Does the ending still have something in store?
From a free kick near the edge of the penalty area, the hosts could finish the game. Trent Alexander-Arnold came close to scoring his first goal for the club, but his effort was just kept out by Musso.
As stoppage time approached, Atlético pushed hard for an equaliser, with attempts from Álvarez, Sørloth and Baena. However, the white wall didn’t get broken a third time.
In the end, Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory in an unforgettable derby that had everything, goals, passion and intensity.
After seven consecutive La Liga meetings without a win, Los Blancos finally came out on top again. They now close the gap to FC Barcelona to four points, setting up an exciting title race after the international break. Atleti will focus on the Copa del Rey final in mid-April to claim thir first trophy since 2021.
