Real Madrid edged out city rivals Atletico Madrid with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu. Goals from Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz secured a crucial advantage for Los Blancos, despite a stunning equalizer from Julian Alvarez.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side started strongly, taking the lead inside four minutes when Rodrygo sprinted past Javi Galan before expertly curling a shot past Jan Oblak. The Brazilian winger, who thrives on the European stage, continued his impressive Champions League form with his fifth goal of the campaign.
Atletico, however, responded well after the early setback. Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Alvarez produced a moment of brilliance, skipping past Eduardo Camavinga before bending a superb effort around Thibaut Courtois and in off the post.
Diego Simeone’s men had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the second half after a mistake from Antonio Rudiger, but Rodrigo De Paul failed to capitalize. Madrid swiftly punished their rivals just two minutes later when Brahim Diaz, stepping in for the suspended Jude Bellingham, danced through Atletico’s defense before slotting a low shot into the far corner.
Despite a late chance for Madrid to extend their lead—Kylian Mbappe’s cutback for Vinicius Junior was intercepted brilliantly by Marcos Llorente—the match ended with a narrow but vital win for the record 15-time Champions League winners.
The victory marked Madrid’s 300th win in European competition, further cementing their dominance. However, with just a one-goal cushion, Ancelotti’s men will need to be at their best when they travel to the Metropolitano next Wednesday for the decisive second leg.
