Atlético Madrid 5-2 Real Madrid: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Atlético Madrid smashed Real Madrid 5-2 in the Madrid Derby at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, ending Real Madrid‘s perfect LaLiga start after six wins. Diego Simeone‘s side, who had struggled early in the season, exploded for four second-half goals, with Julián Álvarez starring in a crazy first half that ended 2-2.
Xabi Alonso‘s visitors, caught in a defensive meltdown, dropped to second with 18 points, while Atlético rose to third with 12. The match was a goal-fest, with both teams defending poorly.
Goals
Atlético Madrid took the lead in the 7th minute when Alexander Sørloth headed in a Koke cross for 1-0. Real Madrid equalized in the 29th minute through Kylian Mbappé, who slotted home a nice finish after a Vinícius Júnior assist. Arda Güler put the visitors ahead in the 32nd, tapping in from Mbappé‘s pullback for 2-1. But Sørloth equalized just before halftime in the 45th minute, heading past Thibaut Courtois again in chaos. In the 52nd, Julián Álvarez converted a penalty after Güler‘s high boot on Nicolás González made it 3-2. Álvarez added his second in the 60th with a beautiful free-kick into the top corner. Antoine Griezmann sealed the win in the 80th, finishing neatly after Álex Baena‘s assist from a Federico Valverde turnover.
Player of the Match
Julián Álvarez was Player of the Match for his two goals—a penalty and a free-kick—and his non-stop energy. The Argentine’s calmness ended his goal drought and destroyed Real Madrid‘s defense.
Match Highlights
The first half was a mess, with seven minutes of stoppage time producing four goals from low xG. Real Madrid hit the woodwork through Vinícius Júnior, but Atlético‘s crosses were terrorizing Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras. Sub Baena sparked the second-half comeback, while Courtois saved Giuliano Simeone late.
Conor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand were the anchors of the Atlético fightback, with Simeone‘s subs overwhelming Alonso‘s tired team. Dani Carvajal‘s mistake led to the fifth, summing up Real Madrid‘s day. This derby win boosts Atlético‘s title chances, while Real Madrid go to Girona.
