Julian Alvarez scored twice as Atletico Madrid stunned La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a 5-2 victory in a dramatic derby at the Metropolitano on Saturday, ending their rivals’ perfect start to the season.
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid had won their opening six league matches, but Diego Simeone’s men blew them away with an inspired attacking display. Robin Le Normand opened the scoring before Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler put Madrid ahead. Alexander Sorloth levelled just before halftime to cap a pulsating first period.
Atletico came out stronger in the second half, with Alvarez netting from the penalty spot after Guler conceded a foul, and later adding a free-kick that Courtois couldn’t keep out despite getting a hand to it. Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to slot home a fifth late on, sealing only Atletico’s third league win of the campaign.
Despite Mbappe’s eighth league goal of the season and his blistering form, Real Madrid were second best throughout as Atletico pressed aggressively and attacked with purpose. The win lifts Simeone’s side provisionally to fourth, while Alonso’s men suffered their first setback of the season.
What you should know
Julian Alvarez’s brace capped a relentless Atletico performance that ended Real Madrid’s flawless run.
Despite Mbappe’s form, Real’s defence faltered badly in the derby, allowing Simeone’s men to claim one of their biggest wins of the season.
