Atlético win the derby: Grimaldo and Jonathan David, late scare

Atlético Madrid took a big step in a fiercely contested derby against Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, winning 2-1 even as the match turned uncomfortable late on. The hosts controlled territory but had to wait for the moments when the game finally opened.

Ten minutes that changed the game

The biggest shock before half-time came when referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz showed a red card to Jude Bellingham after a tackle on Cristian Romero. However, the decision was reviewed by VAR. As The Guardian reports, Ortiz watched the screen and overturned the call: the contact was judged to have been with Romero’s studs hitting Bellingham’s knee. Atlético felt the situation still warranted a red.

Confrontations continued, with arguments traded on the pitch, and the tension spilled over beyond the field: before the break, Atlético’s goalkeeper coach and Real Madrid’s assistant were also sent off.

Grimaldo and Jonathan David

The second half began with a different rhythm. Koke came on, and Baena quickly tested the goalkeeper, with Atlético’s first shot on target effectively launching them into the better phase of the match. Their second attempt soon produced the lead—and a major advantage.

A long ball over the top from David Hancko dropped into the path of Giuliano Simeone, and Dean Huijsen hauled him down. Ortiz pointed to the spot and was again sent to the VAR monitor. The penalty stood, but the colour of the card was changed. Álex Grimaldo scored from the spot, and the Metropolitano erupted.

From there, Atlético pushed for the knockout blow, and Jonathan David delivered it with the second goal. Real found a lifeline in the closing stages through Antonio Rüdiger, making the final minutes tense.

Simeone praised the week

Afterwards, Diego Simeone said it had been a special week in Madrid—describing the city’s energy—and that the derby ended in the way he wanted. Jan Oblak added that, despite everything that had happened in Madrid that week, this was “the only thing that mattered,” as The Guardian quotes.