Atletico Madrid defeated 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 in a tense La Liga derby on Sunday, dealing another blow to Jose Mourinho’s side in the title race.
The victory moved Atletico up to second place, five points behind leaders Barcelona and one point ahead of Real Madrid, who suffered their second defeat of the campaign.
The decisive moment came early in the second half when Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off after pulling down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting spot-kick to give Atletico the lead.
The first half had produced little in the way of clear-cut opportunities, with both teams struggling to create chances in a physical and tightly contested encounter.
One of the main talking points came from a clash between Jude Bellingham and Atletico defender Cristian Romero. Bellingham was initially booked after going into a challenge, but the referee overturned the decision following a VAR review and instead showed the yellow card to Romero.
Real Madrid were also frustrated after Lee Kang-in escaped punishment for a heavy challenge on Federico Valverde shortly before half-time.
The match came to life after the interval when Huijsen pulled Giuliano Simeone back as the Atletico forward raced through on goal. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty and sent off the Real Madrid defender.
Mourinho responded by substituting Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler, bringing on record signing Yan Diomande and Antonio Rudiger.
Atletico, however, extended their advantage in the 59th minute when Canada international Jonathan David finished Giuliano Simeone’s low cross for his third goal in three matches.
The hosts came close to adding a third, but Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save to deny Julian Alvarez. Ibrahima Konate then made a crucial intervention, heading Grimaldo’s effort off the line after the rebound.
At the other end, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak denied Diomande as Real Madrid searched for a way back into the game.
Tempers flared as Madrid’s frustration grew, with Bellingham involved in a heated exchange with Giuliano Simeone.
Real Madrid eventually pulled one goal back late in the match when Rudiger headed Bernardo Silva’s cross beyond Oblak.
The goal came too late, however, as Atletico held on for a valuable derby victory and condemned Madrid to another defeat in the league.
