Real Madrid narrowly defeated crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a pulsating Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, as the tournament returned with a bang.
In a match that lived up to its billing as one of Europe’s fiercest derbies, Real Madrid struck early through Rodrygo Goes, who cut in from the right and expertly placed a shot inside the far post just four minutes into the game. However, Atletico, who sit second in La Liga, gradually found their rhythm and equalized in stunning fashion after 32 minutes. Julian Alvarez, the Argentine forward, shrugged off Eduardo Camavinga before unleashing a curling effort into the top corner for his seventh Champions League goal of the season.
Atletico dominated large stretches of the game, with Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul pulling the strings in midfield. Thibaut Courtois was forced into a full-stretch save to deny Griezmann, but Real regained the lead in the 55th minute through Brahim Diaz. The Spanish midfielder danced past a challenge and curled a precise shot into the far corner, sending the Bernabeu into raptures.
Despite the loss, Alvarez remained optimistic about Atletico’s chances in the second leg. “For a moment, we had the game under control, but we knew it wouldn’t be easy because they were at home and have great players,” he told Movistar. “There are still 90 minutes to go. It’s just one goal, and we have another game at home with our fans.”
Similar Posts:
- Late Correa Equalizer Salvages 1-1 Draw for Atletico in Dramatic Madrid Derby
- Shock Defeat for Real Madrid as Espanyol Steals the Show
- Real Madrid Stunned at Home: AC Milan Clinches 3-1 Champions League Victory
- Man City 4-0 Real Madrid (Agg 5-1): Istanbul awaits: -As Manchester City Are Set To Face Inter Milan In UCL Final
- Haaland’s Heroics Lead Man City to Comeback Victory Over RB Leipzig
