Atletico return to second after derby win over Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid are back in the second spot after beating Real Madrid in the derby. The win puts them level with Real Betis Balompié, with the tie broken by goal difference, and leaves them five points behind a Barcelona that has won every match.

It’s also a long wait: Mundo Deportivo recalls that Atletico hadn’t been second since 8 February 2025, when they drew 1-1 at the Bernabéu. Since then, 589 days have passed, and last season’s early problems—followed by a final stretch focused on the Champions League and the Copa del Rey—kept them out of the title fight.

This form is backed by their schedule so far, with trips to the Sánchez Pizjuán, San Mamés and Anoeta, plus home games against Champions League teams like Real Madrid and Villarreal. The piece also flags progress with Julián Walter Zimmermann and the continued recovery of Cuti Romero.