Atlético defeats Real Madrid 2-1 in heated derby at the Metropolitano

Atlético de Madrid won the derby against Real Madrid 2-1 in a match marked by contentious officiating and a sweltering September afternoon. Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, followed by Jonathan David's strike at 59 minutes, giving the hosts a comfortable lead. Real Madrid reduced the deficit when Antonio Rüdiger headed in a goal in the 89th minute, but a red card for Dean Huijsen earlier in the second half left them with ten men.

Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias issued several cautions, notably to Cuti Romero for a challenge on Bellingham that the VAR later downgraded to a yellow. The heat, a vocal crowd, and tactical changes by both managers contributed to a tense contest that now puts Real Madrid in crisis ahead of the league pause.