Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Real Madrid in a La Liga derby clash on Sunday, 20 September 2026. The match, played at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, saw Dean Huijsen sent off early in the second half for Los Blancos. This pivotal moment allowed Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David to score goals, earning Diego Simeone's Atletico the win, with Antonio Rudiger pulling one back late on for Real Madrid.
The game was marked by controversy, with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho expressing frustration over two challenges from Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in in the first half, which he believed should have resulted in red cards. Mourinho's side started with Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield over Bernardo Silva, opting for defensive clout over creativity. The first half was characterized by tension but lacked footballing quality, with neither side creating clear chances.
A significant incident occurred between Jude Bellingham and Atletico defender Romero, resulting in Bellingham being booked initially, but after a VAR review, the referee removed the card and issued it to Romero. Madrid were also unhappy with a heavy tackle by Lee on Federico Valverde, which went unpunished just before half-time. The match was intense but lacked excitement relative to the star power on the pitch, especially in Madrid's front line.
The match burst into life early in the second half when Huijsen pulled back Giuliano Simeone's arm as the forward ran through on goal, and Atletico were awarded a penalty. Huijsen was dismissed after a VAR review, and Grimaldo beat Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from the penalty spot. Mourinho reacted immediately by replacing Vinicius and Arda Guler with club record signing Yan Diomande and Rudiger.
Atletico struck again with Canada international David tucking away Giuliano Simeone's raking low cross on 59 minutes for his third goal in three matches. The hosts came close to getting a third but Courtois made an excellent save to deny Julian Alvarez, and Ibrahima Konate reacted brilliantly to head Grimaldo's effort from the rebound off the line.
As the match progressed, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved from Diomande, and Bellingham rowed with Giuliano Simeone as Madrid's frustrations showed, impotent to change the course of the game. Madrid pulled a goal back in the final stages with Rudiger heading Bernardo Silva's cross past Oblak. However, it was too little too late for Mourinho's side.
The win left Atletico in second place, five points behind leaders Barcelona and one ahead of Real Madrid, who chalked up a second defeat of the campaign. Atletico midfielder Koke noted that the victory proved his side are capable of winning trophies, stating, "We can compete against every team if we give 100 percent."
Key points
- Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over 10-man Real Madrid.
- The match was marked by controversy over several incidents, including challenges that went unpunished or received red cards.
- The win left Atletico in second place in La Liga, behind leaders Barcelona.
