Atlético Madrid are so back.
Atlético doled out a handful of goals to their biggest rivals, securing a historic 5-2 win at the Estadio Metropolitano. First-half goals from Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sørloth were cancelled out by Kylian Mbappé and Arder Güler’s fine finishes, but Atleti started the second period with an injection of intensity that was rewarded with two dead-ball goals from Julián Alvarez — a penalty and a sublime free-kick.
Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to deliver the manita, slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois in added time.
Here are Into the Calderón’s ratings for a match that will live long in the memory.
Player Ratings
Jan Oblak – 6: Two shots on target and two goals conceded continues a worrying narrative, but he commanded his area well in the tricky moments in the second half.
Marcos Llorente – 7: Less of a protagonist then he has been recently but still managed to keep Vinícius Júnior quiet on the whole. One of those players that you need for a Madrid derby.
Robin Le Normand – 6: He may have put Atleti ahead on 14 minutes, but was a passenger for Madrid’s equaliser and it was his error when clearing the ball that lead to Güler’s tidy finish for their second.
Clément Lenglet – 5: Caught ball watching as Mbappé zipped through and equalised. Then decided to cower when the ball fell to him from a corner and ended up scoring a disallowed goal using his arms. Baffling how a top-flight defender can be so scared of heading the ball. Perhaps more baffling how he continues to start. The risk of playing him far outweighs the risk of having Matteo Ruggeri or Javi Galán on the left to allow Dávid Hancko in to the middle.
Dávid Hancko – 6: Had a pretty tranquilo game at left-back, but one can’t help but thinking he was wasted in that position as opposed to in the middle of the defence. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, as perhaps that would have meant Madrid targeting the left side instead. Subbed off in the last 10 minutes.
Giuliano Simeone – 8: Another player you really want in a Madrid derby. The way he faced up to the referee when Conor Gallagher was astonishingly punished for a great tackle on Mbappé reminded me of the days of Gabi Fernández. His assist on 14 minutes gave him some much-needed end product that he’s been lacking recently.
Pablo Barrios – 7: A very understated but underrated game from the youngster, following his captain’s orders to keep the Madrid midfield quiet.
Koke – 9: El timón del equipo. The rudder of the team. A perfect cross for Sørloth to get his head on to level the game at 2-2, but his performance extended much further beyond his involvement in that goal. The way he lead the team and managed the temperature of the match showed why, in 2025, he can still play a full Madrid derby (even if his selection was injury-enforced).
Nico González – 8: I must admit, I was sceptical of this guy when we signed him, as it smelled of a panic buy. But the attitude and garra he has brought to this team has given Diego Simeone an easy solution to what was a head-scratching problem throughout last season and the start of this one. He won the penalty by sticking his head in Güler’s boot; Lenglet should take some bravery lessons from him.
Julián Alvarez – 10: He’s the best player in the world. Tell me, please, one player right now who is capable of doing the things he does at a superior level. It’s his all-round game. The way he tirelessly runs off the ball, takes players on driving the ball half of the length of the pitch, creates goals out of nothing. I could go on. Furthermore, he couldn’t be a nicer, more humble guy. I think I’m in love.
Alexander Sørloth – 7: Scored one of his signature headers and celebrated warmly with the crowd. Missed two golden chances to allow fans to breathe easier, but was subbed off to big ovation and the crowd singing his name.
Substitutions
Conor Gallagher – 7: Came on, ran around, picked up a yellow. Exactly what would’ve been asked of him.
Antoine Griezmann – 8: Another goal for this wonderful club’s top scorer of all-time. A fantastic finish past Courtois that showed his contundencia hasn’t died off yet.
Javi Galán – 6: Nothing much to say from his little time on the pitch, but didn’t mess anything up so we’ll take that.
Nahuel Molina – 6: Copy and paste from previous player.
Álex Baena – 7: Fantastic to see him back after not being available since the opening day of the season. Drove with the ball and slotted Griezmann in to give the memorable sucker punch.
