Atletico Madrid Beat 10-Man Real Madrid 2-1 in Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid defeated 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 in a fiercely contested La Liga derby at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.

Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Dean Huijsen was sent off for pulling down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area.

Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty to give Atletico the lead before Canada international Jonathan David doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 59th minute.

Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid late in the game, but Atletico held on to secure all three points.

The victory lifted Diego Simeone’s side to second place, five points behind leaders Barcelona and one point ahead of Real Madrid, who suffered their second defeat of the season.

The first half produced little in terms of clear-cut opportunities, with both teams struggling to create openings despite the quality on display.

One of the major talking points came when Jude Bellingham was initially booked following a challenge involving Atletico defender Cristian Romero. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned Bellingham’s booking and instead cautioned Romero.

Real Madrid also appealed for punishment after Lee Kang-in’s heavy challenge on Federico Valverde shortly before half-time, but play continued.

The match changed dramatically early in the second half when Huijsen pulled back Giuliano Simeone as the Atletico forward raced towards goal. Following a VAR review, Huijsen was shown a red card and Atletico were awarded a penalty.

Grimaldo stepped up and calmly beat Thibaut Courtois from the spot to put the hosts ahead.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho responded by making a double substitution, bringing on Yan Diomande and Rudiger for Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler.

However, Atletico extended their lead shortly afterwards. Giuliano Simeone delivered a low cross into the area, which Jonathan David finished clinically for his third goal in three matches.

Atletico nearly added a third, but Courtois produced an excellent save to deny Julian Alvarez, while Ibrahima Konate also made a crucial clearance off the line to prevent another goal.

Jan Oblak later denied Diomande and Bellingham, while Real Madrid struggled to find a way back into the contest.

Rudiger eventually gave Madrid hope by heading Bernardo Silva’s cross past Oblak in the closing stages.

But Atletico held firm to claim a 2-1 victory and the bragging rights in the Madrid derby.