Brahim Diaz was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In the tense and physical clash, it was Rodrygo who opened the scoring early before Julián Álvarez equalized with his own spectacular effort. However, Diaz’s moment of brilliance in the second half gave Madrid the upper hand eventually heading into next week’s return leg at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Lineups
Real Madrid lined up with Thibaut Courtois in goal, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, and Ferland Mendy in defense, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham in midfield, with Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Brahim Diaz leading the attack.
Atlético Madrid started with Jan Oblak between the posts, a backline of Nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, Mario Hermoso, and Samuel Lino, with Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, and Marcos Llorente in midfield. Up front, they had Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez, and Ángel Correa.
How the Match Unfolded
The game began with high intensity as Real Madrid wasted no time asserting dominance. Just four minutes in, Rodrygo showcased his class, receiving a pinpoint pass from Federico Valverde before slicing through Atlético’s defense and curling a stunning left-footed shot past Jan Oblak to give Madrid the lead.
Despite Madrid’s early control, Atlético responded well, slowing the tempo and finding their rhythm. Samuel Lino and Giuliano Simeone threatened on the flanks, pushing Real’s defense back. Their patience paid off in the 32nd minute when Julián Álvarez muscled past Camavinga on the left, cut inside, and unleashed a brilliant curling strike that kissed the far post before finding the net.
The equalizer shifted momentum, and Atlético dominated possession for the remainder of the half, silencing the Bernabéu crowd with their confident passing. Madrid struggled to regain control as Diego Simeone’s men pressed high and frustrated their rivals.
The second half began with a golden chance for Atlético as Rodrigo De Paul found space inside the box, but his shot went wide—an opportunity they would soon regret. Just two minutes later, Brahim Diaz produced the match-winning moment. Surrounded by three defenders, the Moroccan forward danced past Giménez, created space, and slotted a precise low shot into the far corner, leaving Oblak helpless.
Atlético attempted to respond, but Simeone opted for a more cautious approach, bringing on Robin Le Normand for Antoine Griezmann and shifting to a five-man defense. Real Madrid, sensing an opportunity to control the tempo, held possession and saw out the final moments of a gripping contest.
Post-Match Analysis
While Real Madrid won, Atlético will feel disappointed after dominating large spells of the match. Their control of possession and ability to frustrate Madrid showed promise, but their lack of clinical finishing proved costly. Madrid, on the other hand, displayed their Champions League pedigree—taking chances when it mattered most and defending resolutely in the final minutes.
The match also highlighted the physicality of the Madrid derby, with several crunching tackles and heated confrontations between players. The return leg at the Metropolitano will just as intense, with Atlético needing to overturn the deficit to keep their European dreams alive.
What the Coaches Said
After the game, Brahim Diaz discussed the importance of Madrid’s win but acknowledged the tie is far from over: “I think we always had the balance throughout the game. Despite going a bit down after their equalizer, we knew we could always find a goal with the talent we have, and that’s what we did.”
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti remained cautious despite the win: “If it was difficult today, imagine how difficult it will be on Wednesday. We have a small advantage, and we’ll try to go through. It will be difficult, not much will change.”
Meanwhile, Atlético’s Diego Simeone was disappointed but remained optimistic:“It isn’t a good result. We were looking to draw or win. I feel the team competed well. I think we could have done more with the two goals we conceded. Our fans push us, they give us energy, and we’ll need them on Wednesday.”
Player of the Match
Brahim Diaz stole the show with his match-winning goal and a tireless performance in attack. His ability to maneuver in tight spaces and his composure in front of goal, plus his linking up with Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, ensured Madrid always had an attacking threat.
What Next?
With the narrow 2-1 lead, Real Madrid head into the second leg with a slight advantage, but Atlético will be determined to turn the tie around at home. Before then, Madrid and Atlético will both be having La Liga matches this weekend, before shifting focus back to their European competitions later.
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