MADRID, Spain – Atlético Madrid delivered a spectacular performance at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, routing fierce rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a pulsating Madrid Derby. The emphatic victory hands Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid their first defeat of the La Liga season.
Argentine striker Julián Álvarez was the undisputed star of the night, netting a magnificent second-half brace, including a stunning free-kick, to steal the show from Real Madrid’s star signing, Kylian Mbappé.
The match was an instant classic, delivering seven goals across two frantic halves.
Atlético took the lead early through a header from Robin Le Normand in the 14th minute. However, Real Madrid, despite being on the back foot, responded with lethal efficiency. Kylian Mbappé leveled the score in the 25th minute, and a brilliant goal from Arda Güler saw Real Madrid take a 2-1 lead into the final moments of the first half.
Just as the visitors looked set to claim the advantage at the break, Alexander Sørloth found an equalizer for Atlético in stoppage time, heading home to make it 2-2.
Álvarez Redemption Seals the Rout
The second half belonged entirely to Diego Simeone’s men, who were relentless in their attack.
Atlético were awarded a penalty early in the half after a high boot from Arda Güler made contact with a rival player. Julián Álvarez stepped up to calmly dispatch the spot-kick, putting Atlético ahead 3-2. The forward then sealed his heroic performance with a moment of magic in the 64th minute, bending a sensational free-kick past Thibaut Courtois for a 4-2 lead.
Substitute Antoine Griezmann added the final flourish in stoppage time, slotting home the fifth goal to complete the rout and send the Metropolitano crowd into raptures.
Aftermath and Title Race Impact
The 5-2 final score represents a major statement from an Atlético side that had endured a shaky start to the campaign. The win moves them up the table and breathes new life into their title ambitions.
For Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, the defeat is a significant blow, marking his first loss in the league since taking the reins. Real Madrid remain top of the table for now, but champions Barcelona have a golden opportunity to leapfrog their rivals when they play tomorrow.
“There are no excuses, we’re hurting,” said a disappointed Alonso after the game. “We need to analyse what happened and get better.”
Meanwhile, an emotional Diego Simeone hailed his team’s effort: “It’s a very special day. We knew how important this game was… today was a very, very good performance.”
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