Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over 10-man Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, with second-half goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David securing a significant LaLiga derby win for Diego Simeone’s side.
The Madrid derby was goalless at half-time, but the contest changed dramatically early in the second period when Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off following a VAR review after bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area. The dismissal left Real with 10 men and handed Atlético a penalty.
Grimaldo converted from the spot in the 53rd minute, sending Atlético ahead before Jonathan David doubled the advantage six minutes later. The Canadian striker finished a move initiated by Giuliano Simeone to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.
Real Madrid refused to surrender, despite their numerical disadvantage, and Antonio Rüdiger pulled one back in the 89th minute with a header from Bernardo Silva’s set-piece delivery. Atlético, however, held on through the closing stages to secure all three points.
The victory moves Atlético up to second place with 16 points from seven matches, five points behind leaders Barcelona and one point ahead of Real Madrid, who remain third on 15 points.
For Real Madrid, the defeat represents their second league loss of the season and ends their unbeaten start away from home. It also continues a difficult recent record at the Metropolitano, where they have now suffered another derby defeat.
The result is particularly significant given the recent history of the fixture. Atlético had beaten Real Madrid 5-2 at the Metropolitano in September 2025, while Real responded with a 3-2 home victory in March 2026.
The latest derby also marked a notable contrast between the two sides’ league positions. Barcelona had earlier defeated Sevilla 3-1 to maintain a perfect seven-win start and sit five points clear of Atlético at the top of the table.
Leave feedback about this