Atletico Madrid thrash Real 5-2 in derby to end rivals’ unbeaten run

Atletico Madrid delivered a resounding statement in the Madrid derby, dismantling Real Madrid 5-2 at the Riyad Air Metropolitano to hand their city rivals their first defeat of the season. The win not only extended Atletico’s unbeaten streak in league derbies to six matches but also sent shockwaves through the La Liga title race.

The intensity of the rivalry was evident from kickoff, and it took just 14 minutes for Atletico to break the deadlock — Robin Le Normand heading in the opener to continue their streak of scoring first in every league game this season.

Real Madrid, previously rock-solid at the back, responded with character. Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler each found the net in quick succession to turn the game around and put Real 2-1 ahead, briefly hinting at a continuation of their perfect start to the campaign.

But Atletico refused to relent. Alexander Sørloth equalized just before halftime with a commanding header, setting the tone for a dominant second-half performance from Diego Simeone’s side.

The turning point came shortly after the break, when Julián Álvarez calmly slotted home a penalty to put Atletico ahead again. The Argentine forward doubled his tally minutes later with a sensational curling free kick that left Thibaut Courtois flat-footed.

With Real Madrid offering little in response — failing to register a single shot on target in the second half — Antoine Griezmann rubbed salt in the wound by scoring in stoppage time, sealing a memorable 5-2 win.

The result raises alarm bells for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Having conceded only three goals in their first six matches, they allowed five in one night. Despite enjoying more possession, Real managed just two shots on target compared to Atletico’s seven.

Real Madrid still sit provisionally at the top of the table with 18 points, but their lead is under serious threat. Barcelona, two points behind, have a game in hand. Atletico, meanwhile, move up to fourth with 12 points from their seven games, and with this performance, have reasserted themselves as serious contenders in the title race.