In a tense and hard-fought Champions League last-16 clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid emerged with a 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid, setting the stage for a thrilling second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium next week.
The match got off to a dream start for the hosts as Rodrygo broke the deadlock just four minutes into the game with a well-taken goal. However, Atletico gradually found their footing and leveled the score in the 32nd minute through a spectacular strike from Julian Alvarez, leaving the home crowd momentarily silenced.
The second half saw Real Madrid regain the lead in the 55th minute, thanks to Brahim Diaz’s moment of brilliance. The midfielder carved out a sliver of space in a congested penalty area and fired a precise, low shot into the far corner, beating Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The game was marked by cautious play from both sides, with neither team fully committing to an all-out attack, perhaps mindful of the decisive second leg looming next week. The result leaves the tie finely balanced, with Atletico now looking to leverage home advantage at the Metropolitano to overturn the narrow deficit.
Fans can expect another fiercely contested encounter as the two Madrid giants battle for a place in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Real Madrid Secures Narrow 2-1 Victory Over Atletico in Champions League First Leg
