Real Madrid took a slight advantage over city rivals Atletico Madrid with a hard-fought 2-1 win in their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Early Drama & Rodrygo’s Magic
Madrid came out firing, and it took just four minutes for Rodrygo Goes to put them ahead. The Brazilian winger latched onto Fede Valverde’s perfectly placed pass, cut inside Javi Galán, and fired a clinical left-footed strike past Jan Oblak.
Rodrygo, who has made a habit of delivering on big European nights, now boasts 25 Champions League goals in 61 appearances.
He later had a penalty appeal waved away after a tussle in the box, while Vinícius Júnior came close to doubling Madrid’s lead, only to be denied by José Giménez’s last-ditch block.
Alvarez Stuns Madrid with a Wonder Goal
Atletico, who had struggled to create chances early on, found their breakthrough through Julián Álvarez, and what a goal it was.
The former Manchester City striker danced past Eduardo Camavinga, created space inside the box, and curled a stunning shot into the top corner past Thibaut Courtois.
The Argentine has been on fire recently, scoring 10 goals in his last 14 matches, justifying Atletico’s hefty investment in him last summer.
Brahim Diaz Steps Up in Bellingham’s Absence
With Jude Bellingham suspended, Brahim Diaz got the nod, and he seized the moment.
In the 55th minute, the Moroccan international left Giménez on the floor with his quick footwork before calmly slotting past Oblak, sending the Bernabéu into a frenzy.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico tried to respond, with Antoine Griezmann and Giménez both coming close, but Madrid’s experience and composure in the final moments saw them see out the win.
What’s Next?
The tie remains finely poised as Atletico host Real Madrid at the Metropolitano next week. The winner will face either Arsenal or PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals.
Atletico may have lost this battle, but with just a one-goal deficit, the war is far from over.
