The first half of this 300th Madrid Derby was everything you would expect from this fixture in terms of intensity, but there was very little quality to go along with it. Both sides were physical, tempers were beginning to flare and it always felt like the match was one challenge away from boiling over.
In terms of actual football, though, there was not much to write home about. Neither side created much of anything going forward, but Atlético were probably the slightly better of the two teams and
looked the more likely to make something happen.
The second half featured much of the same intensity as the first half, but thankfully more goals. Dávid Hancko played a beautiful long ball to Giuliano Simeone, who drew a penalty — and eventually, after VAR intervened, a red card on Dean Huijsen. Alejandro Grimaldo stepped up to the penalty spot and neatly sent home his penalty kick to put Atlético up 1-0.
Atlético de Madrid did not wait much longer to score as Giuliano continued to wreak havoc on Real Madrid’s defense and sent in a wonderful low cross to Jonathan David gracefully put past Thibaut Courtois. That goal saw the Colchoneros go up 2-0 with 30 minutes to go.
Real Madrid would have their say in things late in the match following an Antonio Rüdiger header from a Bernardo Silva set piece, but Atleti saw it out from there.
It is an absolutely massive result for Atlético de Madrid, who go to the international break second place in LaLiga, one point ahead of Real Madrid and five points behind FC Barcelona.
Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings from the first Madrid Derby of the 2026/27 season.
Starting XI
Jan Oblak
Oblak’s net was not bothered much in the first half. He saved the lone Madrid shot on target from an Arda Güler rocket from outside the box. Another great save from Oblak in the 76th minute on Yan Diomande’s big chance following a defensive lapse from Romero. 7.5
Alejandro Grimaldo
Well-struck penalty from Grimaldo, who now has three goal contributions in his last three matches. Following a tough start to the season, Grimaldo appears to have found his footing with the squad. 8
Dávid Hancko
A subtly great match Hancko. The chemistry between Hancko and Giuliano Simeone when the latter embarks on central runs seems to be developing quite nicely. His long ball to Giuliano directly led to the penalty call on Dean Huijsen that Grimaldo slotted home. 7.5
Marc Pubill
Did well to stop runs from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in the first half. He was unlucky to pick up a yellow card early in the match and unfortunately had to be substituted at half time out of precaution. 7
Cuti Romero
Romero gives Simeone and Atlético supporters so much confidence in defense. Unfortunate to receive a yellow card after VAR intervened in the first half, but this was another incredible outing from the Argentine. You could immediately see his impact as Real Madrid scored immediately after he was subbed off. 8
Giuliano Simeone
My man of the match. He struggled with his touch in the first half but he almost singlehandedly won the game in the second. Giuliano drew the penalty and red card on Huijsen and then provided the assist to David’s goal six minutes later. 8.5
Marcos Llorente
Great game from Llorente as Atlético’s Swiss Army knife. Llorente appeared to be starting in midfield, but Simeone shifted him over to right-back as the match progressed. Offensively, Llorente was even better. Llorente created the joint most chances (3) and had the most touches in the match (91). 7.5
Johnny Cardoso
An under-the-radar afternoon for Cardoso, who showed great anticipation and positioning to close off passing lanes for Los Blancos. 7.5
Kang-In Lee
Another game full of chance creation for Kang-in Lee. Marc Cucurella kept him relatively quiet in the first half, and he’s a bit wasted playing as a second striker, but a tactical change freed him in the second half and he picked up the pre-assist for David’s eventual winner. 7.5
Álex Baena
Held in check by Dumfries, not able to get much going on the left hand side of the pitch. Solid outing in general, worked hard out of possession but not much here to put on the highlight reel. 7
Jonathan David
It’s now three goals in three games for David. He gives Atleti exactly what they have been begging for in a number nine. His ability to get ample touches in the box, combined with his finishing, equals a recipe for plenty of goals. 8
Substitutes:
Julián Alvarez
Unlucky to have his chance cleared off the line by Antonio Rüdiger. As far as chance creation goes, that was La Araña’s lone contribution. Julián will have to wait even longer to endear himself to the Atleti supporters. 6.5
Koke
Provided a ton of stability for Atleti coming on at halftime. He created the joint-most chances (3) and at times was actually playing deeper in Madrid’s defensive zone than Alvarez was. 7
Ademola Lookman
Looked dangerous at times, but was not able to make much of an impact in front of goal. He looks more confident in the recent games though and I have no doubts that the goal contributions will return. 6
Robin Le Normand
Real Madrid scored right when Le Normand subbed into the match as the former Spain international lost out to Rüdiger. Where Romero provides so much confidence when he is on the pitch, Le Normand evaporates much if not all of that confidence. 5
Morten Hjulmand
Subbed in for Kang-in Lee to see out the match and provide support in midfield. Made a couple smart interceptions to break up play. n/a
