José Mourinho‘s return to the Madrid derby after 12 years ended poorly for the Portuguese coach at the Metropolitano. Diego Simeone‘s Atlético Madrid proved stronger and handed the Real Madrid side their second defeat of the season with a 2-1 victory.
The derby lived up to its reputation, with both teams engaging in a fierce battle from the first whistle, frequently interrupted by the referee’s calls. Atlético appeared sharper, with efforts from Baena, Simeone, and David consistently troubling Real’s defense and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. For the visitors, a notable moment was an off-target strike from Vinícius Júnior. Ultimately, the teams went into the break goalless.
The second half brought a dramatic shift. Højlund lost track of Giuliano Simeone and blatantly held his opponent’s hand inside the penalty area. After a video review, the referee issued a penalty and a straight red card, a harsh blow for the visitors. Grimaldo converted the spot-kick with precision.
Mourinho responded with a double substitution, bringing on Antonio Rüdiger and Jan Diomande for Arda Güler and Vinícius, but the Real defense cracked again in the 59th minute. Simeone delivered a textbook cross from the right flank, and Jonathan David volleyed the ball into the net past Courtois.
Real Madrid looked helpless going forward. They nearly conceded a third when Ibrahima Konaté headed the ball off the line after a shot from Julián Álvarez. The latter’s introduction was met with whistles from the crowd, though not as intense as before.
In the 89th minute, just when it seemed the match was settled, Real reignited the contest. From a set-piece, Rüdiger powered a header into the net. However, the visitors could not find an equalizer.
This emotional victory in the capital derby earned Atlético Madrid three crucial points, propelling them to second place in the La Liga standings. Meanwhile, Real Madrid suffered their second loss of the season and now trail Barcelona by six points—a significant gap.
2026-27, La Liga
Atlético Madrid – Real Madrid 2:1 (0:0)
Goals: Grimaldo 53 (penalty) (1:0); David J. 59 (2:0); Rüdiger 89 (2:1)
Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Ganczko; Romero K. (Le Norman, 89); Grimaldo; Pubill (Koke, 46); Cardoso João; Baena A. (Lukman, 67); Llorente M.; Li Kanin (Yulmann, 89); David J. (Álvarez Jul., 62); Simeone D-o
Substitutions: Koke (from 46); Álvarez Jul. (from 62); Lukman (from 67); Le Norman (from 89); Yulmann (from 89)
Reserves: Musso; Martínez D.; Vargas Ob.; Domínguez H.; Ortiz Ar.; Mendoza R.
Bookings: Pubill 35; Romero K. 39
Real Madrid: Courtois; Dumfries; Konaté I.; Cucurella; Højlund (until 52); Tchouaméni (Camavinga, 71); Güler A. (Rüdiger, 54); Bellingham (Silva B., 82); Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior (Diomande J., 54); Mbappé
Substitutions: Rüdiger (from 54); Diomande J. (from 54); Camavinga (from 71); Silva B. (from 82)
Reserves: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold; Asensio R.; Carreras; Pitarch; Díaz Br.; Endrick; Espi
Bookings: Dumfries 49; Bellingham 78
Red cards: Højlund 52
