MADRID – In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Real Madrid emerged victorious with a dramatic 3-2 win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s highly anticipated El Derbi Madrileño, showcasing the intensity and passion that defines this historic rivalry.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from a Vinícius Júnior cross, sending the home crowd into raptures. The English midfielder’s aerial prowess continues to be a defining feature of his impressive La Liga campaign, marking his 12th goal of the season.
Atletico responded with characteristic resilience, equalizing just before halftime through Antoine Griezmann’s clinical finish following a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Rodrigo De Paul. The French forward’s equalizer silenced the Bernabéu momentarily and shifted momentum to the visitors.
The second half began with both teams trading chances, but it was Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde who restored the home side’s advantage in the 58th minute with a spectacular long-range strike that left Jan Oblak with no chance. The Uruguayan midfielder’s thunderbolt from 30 yards out will undoubtedly be a contender for goal of the season.
Diego Simeone’s side refused to surrender, however, and pulled level once again in the 74th minute when Álvaro Morata capitalized on a defensive miscommunication between Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba to slot home from close range.
The match appeared destined for a draw until the 89th minute, when substitute Joselu became the unlikely hero. The Spanish striker, introduced just 15 minutes earlier, connected with a perfectly weighted through ball from Luka Modrić to fire past Oblak and secure all three points for Los Blancos.
The victory sees Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points, while Atletico Madrid remains in fourth place, now facing an uphill battle to catch their city rivals in the title race.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience: “These derby matches are always difficult, and Atletico pushed us to our limits. The character shown by my players, especially after conceding twice, demonstrates the winning mentality in this squad.”
Diego Simeone, visibly frustrated after the late defeat, acknowledged his team’s effort: “We competed well and showed great fighting spirit. Sometimes football can be cruel, but we must learn from these moments and continue fighting.”
The attendance of 78,354 fans witnessed one of the most entertaining Madrid derbies in recent memory, with both teams displaying attacking football that delighted neutrals and supporters alike.
Real Madrid will now turn their attention to their midweek Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich, while Atletico Madrid faces a crucial home match against Real Sociedad next weekend as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
