Atlético Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first Madrid Derby of the season, in a thrilling clash played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The win gave Atlético important points in the race for the top of the La Liga table, while Real Madrid suffered another significant defeat under manager José Mourinho.
The game completely changed in the second half after Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was shown a red card after conceding a penalty. Alejandro Grimaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick and gave Atlético the lead in the 53rd minute, scoring his first-ever goal in a Madrid Derby.
Just six minutes later, Jonathan David doubled Atlético Madrid’s lead in the 59th minute, making the most of the numerical advantage after Atlético went a man up. The goal was another important contribution from David as he continues to make his impact since joining Atlético.
Real Madrid managed to pull one goal back late in the game through Antonio Rüdiger, but it was not enough to prevent Atlético from claiming all three points. For Mourinho, the defeat represents another significant setback at the start of his second spell as Real Madrid manager.
The victory moved Atlético Madrid above Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, as the battle for the top positions continues. The derby also marked the first meeting of the season between Diego Simeone and José Mourinho, two managers with a long history of facing each other in European football.
