Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their European clash, but the tie remains finely poised ahead of the return fixture. The match at the Santiago Bernabéu featured three outstanding goals, with Rodrygo Goes, Julián Álvarez, and Brahim Díaz all producing stunning finishes. Despite Real holding the advantage, Atlético will host the second leg with hope of overturning the deficit.
The game was a tactical battle, with Atlético controlling large spells but failing to capitalize fully. Diego Simeone’s side responded well after conceding early, maintaining possession and frustrating Real’s midfield. However, Díaz’s decisive strike ensured the hosts carried a slight edge into the second leg.
The opening goal came just under four minutes in, with Rodrygo making the most of a lapse in Atlético’s defense. A simple pass from Fede Valverde found the Brazilian, who breezed past Javi Galán and Clément Lenglet before curling his shot into the far corner. Moments later, Rodrygo threatened again but was denied a penalty. Atlético initially struggled to settle, but they soon found their rhythm.
Their equalizer arrived through Álvarez, who collected the ball on the left side of the area, lost possession momentarily, then regained it before firing a brilliant shot past Thibaut Courtois via the far post. With Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul orchestrating play, Atlético controlled possession, forcing Real into a deep and passive stance.
The second half saw Courtois make a superb save from Griezmann as Atlético continued their measured dominance. But as has often been the case, Real’s individual brilliance turned the tide. In a rapid sequence, Díaz combined with Ferland Mendy and Vinícius Júnior before cutting inside and curling a beautiful shot beyond the goalkeeper, restoring the lead for the home side.
Simeone made changes, introducing Conor Gallagher and Nahuel Molina before sending on Robin Le Normand for Griezmann, prioritizing defensive stability. However, Atlético later pushed forward with Ángel Correa and Alexander Sørloth in search of a late equalizer.
The final moments nearly saw Real extend their lead, with Kylian Mbappé setting up Vinícius for what could have been a decisive third goal. Marcos Llorente’s last-ditch intervention kept Atlético’s hopes alive, while José María Giménez produced another crucial block to deny Vinícius again.
With a narrow advantage, Real head into the second leg knowing the job is far from done. Atlético, meanwhile, will look to make home advantage count in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter where there will be no second chances.
