Atlético Madrid edge derby to deal blow to Real Madrid’s title hopes
Reviewed by Elison · Sun 20 Sep 2026La Liga
Atlético MadridFULL-TIME
Real MadridSunday 20 September 2026 · 16:15
Our score 1-1MissedHot tip Full-time draw✗ Lost
Atlético Madrid claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in a fiercely contested La Liga derby, a result that strengthens their own title credentials while applying pressure on their city rivals. The match was shaped by a VAR-upgraded red card, a penalty, and a late consolation that could not prevent Real Madrid from suffering a damaging defeat.
How the game unfolded
Marc Pubill was booked on 35 minutes, and three minutes later Cristian Romero picked up a caution that was then upgraded to a red card following a VAR review, reducing Atlético Madrid to ten men before the interval.
Denzel Dumfries was booked for Real Madrid on 49 minutes, and VAR intervened again two minutes later, this time upgrading Dean Huijsen’s booking to a red card; Huijsen was sent off on 52 minutes, leaving Real Madrid also with ten men. Atletico made the extra man count almost immediately: on 53 minutes, Alejandro Grimaldo converted from the penalty spot to give the hosts the lead. Antonio Rüdiger came on for Arda Güler on 54 minutes, and it was Rüdiger who would prove decisive later in the match.
On 59 minutes, Jonathan David doubled Atletico’s advantage, finishing from an assist by Giuliano Simeone to make it 2-0. Jude Bellingham was booked for Real Madrid on 78 minutes, and Bernardo Silva came on for Bellingham on 82 minutes. Real Madrid pulled one back on 89 minutes when Rüdiger scored, assisted by Bernardo Silva, to make it 2-1, but there was no further scoring and Atlético Madrid held on for the win.
The numbers
The statistics tell the story of an Atletico side dominant throughout. The hosts controlled 61 per cent of possession, completing 556 of their 618 passes, compared to Real Madrid’s 337 accurate passes from 393 attempted. Atletico’s threat was equally pronounced in front of goal, as they registered 18 total shots — nine of which were on target — with 13 coming from inside the box. Real Madrid managed just eight shots in total, with only three on target, highlighting how effectively Atletico’s defence kept their opponents at arm’s length, particularly after the red card.
The Atletico goalkeeper was called into action only twice, while his Real Madrid counterpart made five saves across the 90 minutes — a reflection of the pressure the hosts consistently applied. Atletico also earned three corner kicks to Real Madrid’s one, further underlining their territorial dominance. Both sides picked up two yellow cards apiece in open play, though Real Madrid’s disciplinary record was compounded by the red card that proved to be the decisive turning point of the contest. Atletico committed 19 fouls to Real Madrid’s six, suggesting the home side were not without their own robust approach, but ultimately it was Real Madrid’s night of misfortune with the officials that defined proceedings.
Conclusion
Atlético Madrid were worthy winners of a derby that turned decisively on Dean Huijsen’s red card. Goals from Grimaldo and Jonathan David — the latter starting and making an immediate impact before being replaced — ensured the hosts took full advantage of their numerical superiority. Rüdiger’s late strike gave the final scoreline a closer look than the contest truly warranted. For Atletico, this is a significant statement in the La Liga title race.
