Atlético Madrid earned a hard-fought derby victory over Real Madrid, who played much of the game with 10 men after Dean Huijsen was sent off. Goals from Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David proved decisive despite a late Real reply.
Key facts
- Atlético Madrid beat Real Madrid in a La Liga derby, according to the Guardian.
- Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored for Atlético.
- Real Madrid played with 10 men after Dean Huijsen conceded a penalty and was sent off.
- Antonio Rüdiger pulled a goal back late for Real Madrid.
- It was José Mourinho's first derby back and it ended in defeat.
Atlético Madrid secured a valuable derby victory over Real Madrid in La Liga, with the Guardian describing the contest as fractious and tightly contested. Goals from Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David put Atlético two goals up against a Real side reduced to 10 men, before a late reply briefly threatened to change the mood of the closing minutes.
Manager Diego Simeone said it had been a special week in Madrid, describing a “tremendous energy about the city”. He said he had enjoyed the Formula One and going to see Shakira, but enjoyed the derby result even more. When the final whistle sounded, the Guardian reported, Simeone sprinted up the tunnel punching the air.
Real Madrid’s task was made significantly harder when defender Dean Huijsen gave away a penalty and was shown a red card, an incident the Guardian said tilted the game against them. Questions were also raised about how little Real did until a late moment when they briefly appeared to have a lifeline.
That lifeline came through a late strike from Antonio Rüdiger, which the Guardian said “awoke old ghosts” and brought tension to the final minutes. Despite the pressure, Atlético held on to complete the win.
Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak reflected on the significance of the result. “A lot has happened in Madrid this week but this was the only thing that mattered in his mind and mine,” Oblak said, according to the Guardian.
The match marked José Mourinho’s first derby back, and it ended in defeat and recriminations. The Guardian reported that Mourinho arrived at the press conference with a picture of two moments in which he felt Atlético players – Lee Kang-in and Cristian Romero – should have been sent off, insisting the story of the derby lay there.
Why it matters
The Madrid derby is one of the most closely watched fixtures in Spanish football, and a decisive result can shape the early-season title race. The outcome also renewed refereeing controversy and put focus on both José Mourinho's return and Real Madrid's performance.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored for Atlético Madrid in the derby?
Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored for Atlético Madrid, according to the Guardian.
Why did Real Madrid play with 10 men?
The Guardian reported that Dean Huijsen gave away a penalty and was shown a red card, reducing Real Madrid to 10 men and tilting the game against them.
How did Real Madrid respond?
A late strike from Antonio Rüdiger brought tension to the final minutes, but Atlético held on to win.