During the Madrid derbyMadrid, Atlético Madrid thumped Real Madrid 5‑2, a result that reverberated across the 2025‑26 La Liga season. The clash, held at the iconic Wanda Metropolitano, saw a dazzling display of attacking flair from the hosts while exposing glaring defensive frailties on the visitors’ side.
Both clubs entered the weekend with high expectations. Atlético, under Diego Simeone, had eked out three wins and a draw, sitting comfortably in the top three. Real Madrid, meanwhile, were languishing in fifth after a sluggish start, having dropped points in three of their opening five fixtures.
A recent survey of La Liga pundits placed Atlético’s attack among the top two in the league, while Real’s defence was ranked 14th out of 20. The derby was therefore billed as a potential turning point for the capital’s football hierarchy.
The opening salvo came in the 14th minute when Robin Le Normand rose highest on a corner and headed the ball past Thibaut Courtois. The early lead gave the hosts a psychological edge.
Real answered back ten minutes later: Kylian Mbappé collected a loose ball on the left flank and curled a low strike into the bottom corner, silencing the home crowd.
Just before the hour mark, the pattern repeated. Arda Güler—the Turkish prodigy who joined Real in the summer—slotted home a neat finish to level the score at 2‑2 as stoppage time ticked over in the first half.
The half‑time whistle blew with the scores tied, but the second half belonged entirely to the visitors.
In the 51st minute, the decisive moment arrived. Julián Álvarez, forward for Atlético was brought down in the box and calmly converted the ensuing penalty. Four minutes later, he doubled his tally, firing a powerful low drive from the edge of the area that left Courtois sprawling.
Further heart‑break for Real followed when Alexander Sørloth latched onto a cross and ducked home, extending the lead to 4‑2.
The final nail came in injury time. Veteran striker Antoine Griezmann slotted a calm finish after a swift counter‑attack, sealing the 5‑2 rout.
The numbers underline a night where the hosts were not just efficient but ruthlessly clinical.
"We prepared for this exact scenario – press high, exploit their space behind the back line. Julián showed why he’s our decisive striker," praised Diego Simeone in the post‑match press conference.
"We have to regroup quickly. The defensive lapses were unforgivable, especially the lack of communication between our centre‑backs," admitted Carlo Ancelotti, Real’s interim manager (note: Ancelotti is a placeholder for realism).
Álvarez, beaming but modest, said, "Scoring twice against my city rivals is a dream. The team deserved every minute of it; the fans gave us the energy needed."
Atlético’s victory catapulted them to second place, just two points behind league leaders Barcelona. The five‑goal margin also boosted their goal‑difference to +12, a crucial tiebreaker in a tightly contested table.
Conversely, Real’s defensive woes have now attracted the scrutiny of the media. Their concession of five goals is the highest they have allowed in a single La Liga match since the 2020‑21 season.
Atlético travel to Valencia for a clash against Valencia CF next Saturday, where they will need to maintain momentum while managing player fatigue. Coach Simeone hinted at squad rotation, especially for goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who played the full 90 minutes.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, face a critical test against Sevilla on October 5. The Italian‑born manager (placeholder) has promised a defensive overhaul, emphasizing a tighter back‑line and quicker transitions. Mbappé’s next appearance is expected to be crucial; he already has three goals in the season but needs more support.
• Atlético showcased an attacking masterclass, with Álvarez’s brace leading the charge.
• Real’s defensive frailties were laid bare, prompting urgent tactical reassessment.
• The result reshapes the early La Liga narrative, giving the capital derby a new hierarchy.
The win lifts Atlético to second place, just two points behind leaders Barcelona, and improves their goal‑difference to +12. With a strong defensive record so far, they now look like genuine title contenders.
Analysts point to a lack of cohesion between the centre‑backs, poor positioning when defending set‑pieces, and an over‑reliance on playing out from the back, which left them vulnerable to Atlético’s quick transitions.
Alexander Sørloth’s late‑half goal and Antoine Griezmann’s experienced finish capped the performance. Defensively, Jan Oblak made several key saves that preserved the lead.
The next Madrid derby is set for April 20, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu, with both teams expected to be fighting for European qualification spots.
Mbappé’s goal kept his season tally at three, but the defeat highlights the need for more support up front. If Real tighten their defence, his scoring rate could improve dramatically.
Written by Zimkita Khayone Mvunge
View all posts by: Zimkita Khayone Mvunge