Real Madrid’s perfect start to the season came to a dramatic end as Atlético Madrid ran riot in a thrilling 5-2 victory at the Estadio Metropolitano, handing Xabi Alonso his first defeat in charge and reigniting the title race, Softfootball reports.
Los Blancos arrived in the capital derby full of confidence after seven straight wins in all competitions and with the chance to open up a 12-point lead over their rivals. But Diego Simeone’s side had other ideas, flying out of the blocks and dominating the early exchanges. Their aggressive start was rewarded on 14 minutes when Robin Le Normand rose highest to nod in Giuliano Simeone’s cross only his second league goal in Atleti colours.
Real looked rattled, but their firepower up front soon showed. Arda Güler put Kylian Mbappé through on goal, and the Frenchman calmly buried his 12th strike of the season to level the game. Just minutes later, Güler went from provider to scorer, volleying home from Vinícius Júnior’s perfect delivery to silence the Metropolitano. Suddenly, it seemed like Alonso’s men would take control.
But Atlético responded in classic Simeone fashion right before the break. Koke’s deep cross found striker Alexander Sørloth, who rose the highest between two defenders to power home a header and restore parity at 2-2 going into half-time.
The second half exploded into life almost immediately. Güler, the hero of the first half, conceded a penalty for a high boot on Nicolás González, and midweek hatrick hero against Rayo, Julián Álvarez stepped up to fire Atlético back in front from the spot. Buoyed by the lead, Simeone’s men kept pushing, and Alvarez struck again with a sensational free-kick, leaving Courtois rooted as the Metropolitano erupted.
Real had no answers this time. Their backline was pulled apart repeatedly, with Sørloth denied by Courtois before Antoine Griezmann slid in a fifth late on to cap a famous win for the hosts.
After the final whistle, Atlético’s official X handle,shared an exclusive moment of the post game presser showing the player of the match Julian Alvarez reaction to the derby win, see video below ;
For Real, the defeat leaves them top for now, but Barcelona could leapfrog them as Softfootball understands that they are set to take on Real Sociedad on sunday, and Alonso will know this was a wake up call of how unforgiving LaLiga can be.
Atlético, meanwhile, will hope this emphatic derby triumph after a hardfought win against Rayo Vallecano earlier this week, will be the right mometum that would possibly set their part towrads a historic La Liga title.
