Atlético Madrid delivered a resounding defeat to Real Madrid, winning 5-2 in a match that stirred deep emotions. The victory was especially poignant for Atlético's manager, Diego Simeone, who was moved to tears by his team's performance.
Before the game, Simeone addressed his players, asking them if they had any problems that would prevent them from playing their best. When they responded negatively, he urged them to enjoy the game, emphasizing the fleeting nature of a footballer's career and the importance of seizing the moment.
Atlético's dominant performance left Real Madrid reeling. Manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged the deserved defeat, stating that "it hurts". Real Madrid's captain, Dani Carvajal, admitted the difficulty in finding consolation, but hoped the defeat would serve as a wake-up call, preventing complacency.
Real Madrid entered the derby with a perfect record of six wins in six matches. A victory would have placed them significantly ahead of Atlético in the La Liga standings, potentially ending their rival's title aspirations early in the season. However, Atlético prevented that from happening with a revitalizing victory.
The match saw changes in Real Madrid's lineup, with Jude Bellingham's return leading to Franco Mastantuono's exclusion and Arda Guler's shift to the right. These adjustments seemed premature and like an accommodation, disrupting the team's established structure. In midfield, no one asserted control, and Fede Valverde appeared lost, further contributing to Real Madrid's struggles.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. Robin Le Normand initially put Atlético ahead, but Real Madrid responded with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler. Alexander Sorloth leveled the score before halftime. In the second half, Julian Alvarez converted a penalty and scored a free-kick, while Antoine Griezmann added another goal in stoppage time, sealing Atlético's emphatic victory.
This triumph is particularly significant for Atlético Madrid, as Real Madrid has often been their "executioner" in European competitions. Simeone has expressed both pride and frustration in the past, acknowledging Real Madrid's quality while lamenting Atlético's inability to overcome them in crucial moments.
The result is a major boost for Atlético, who have been striving to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in La Liga. The victory, beyond the scoreline, carries a psychological weight, potentially shifting the balance of power in Madrid and reigniting Atlético's title challenge.
