The press conference following the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano Stadium was largely dominated by questions about the refereeing for both Jose Mourinho and Diego Simeone. However, a few brief seconds were still dedicated to the tactical aspects of the match.

When asked about Real Madrid's attempts to dissect controversial incidents, coach Diego Simeone steered his answer towards the match's developments, offering a tactical clue.

Dean Huijsen (right) fouls Giuliano Simeone in an incident leading to a penalty during the Atletico Madrid – Real Madrid match at Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain on 20/9/2026. Photo: AP

"We controlled the game for the entire duration", the Argentine coach stated. "Real Madrid is a team with formidable transitional play and excellent players, but we neutralized almost all of their dangerous attacks. At the same time, we knew exactly where to exploit our opponent's weaknesses: attacking down their right flank".

Attacking down the right flank, specifically targeting left-back Marc Cucurella, was Atletico's consistent strategy throughout the match. In total, the hosts concentrated 47% of their attacks down this wing, compared to 29% through the middle and only 24% on the opposite flank.

Average positions and passing map of Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid. Photo: Opta Analyst

Examining the average positions and passing network of the home team, it is clear Simeone instructed his players to overload the right wing.

Lining up in a 4-4-2 system, Atletico had right-back Marc Pubill, right-sided midfielder Marcos Llorente, right winger Giuliano Simeone, and forward Lee Kang-in constantly playing close to the ball and maintaining tight positions.

Passing map of Alex Baena for Atletico Madrid. Photo: Opta Analyst

Even a deeper look into the passing map of left midfielder Alex Baena reveals his activity was heavily concentrated on the right wing. He frequently drifted into the right half-space, even close to the touchline, to combine with the aforementioned group of four players.

This meant Atletico's attacks were almost entirely focused on the right flank with five players. The intention was to create numerical superiority against Real Madrid's defensive unit on that side, primarily handled by Cucurella.

For the visiting team, their left flank, when out of possession, featured Kylian Mbappe and particularly Vinicius. Given almost special dispensation to await counter-attacking opportunities, these two superstars offered very limited defensive support to Cucurella's position. This further emboldened Atletico to execute their attacking plan.

An Atletico Madrid third-man run combination, with Giuliano Simeone easily slipping behind Vinicius to get in behind on the wing. Screenshot

Atletico's attacking options down the right flank were diverse, as the players in that group brought different playing styles. Giuliano (Coach Simeone's son) offered pace, strength, and vertical threat. Lee Kang-in displayed skill in tight spaces. Baena could create plays and keenly identify gaps behind the opponent's defense to run into after drifting from the left. Meanwhile, Llorente and Pubill focused on ball circulation and were ready to counter counter-attacks.

Atletico could attack directly with lofted passes behind Real Madrid's defense or use triangular combinations to draw out defenders and create space for through balls in the half-spaces. Early crosses were also frequent, often aimed towards the far post for new striker Jonathan David.

Atletico Madrid's open play crossing points before the 52nd minute against Real Madrid. Photo: Whoscored

Before Jose Mourinho's side was reduced to 10 men, three of Atletico's four chances created came from the right wing. Additionally, seven of the nine crosses delivered by the hosts originated from this channel.

Atletico Madrid's passes creating scoring opportunities before the 52nd minute. Photo: Opta Analyst

With Cucurella constantly facing two or three Atletico players without support from the wing forwards, left-sided center-back Huijsen was forced to drift wide to cover.

While pinning Real Madrid's defensive block deep through their right-wing play, Atletico scored by enticing their opponents to press high, then exploiting the space left behind by Cucurella.

Before the match against Elche on 15/9, Mourinho had stated his desire to build a Real Madrid team that played high-pressing football, winning the ball in the opponent's half, and finishing transitions within seconds. This very intention became the premise for the Metropolitano hosts to exploit.

The situation leading to Atletico Madrid's penalty. Screenshot

In the sequence leading to the penalty, Atletico successfully escaped the press, circulating the ball to the left flank. Center-back David Hancko advanced with the ball before delivering a diagonal lofted pass behind Real Madrid's defense for Giuliano, who had completely left Cucurella behind and was fouled by Huijsen in the penalty area.

The situation leading to Atletico Madrid's second goal: the hosts combined easily with a third-man run to attack the space behind Marc Cucurella. Screenshot

For the 2-0 goal, Atletico once again dismantled Real Madrid's pressing system (now with only 10 men). Against an isolated Cucurella on the left wing, the hosts combined through a third-man run to move the ball into the final third.

Here, the Spanish left-back was again in a two-on-one situation, completely helpless as he chased Giuliano – who delivered a simple cross for David to score from close range.

Before Giuliano Simeone crossed for Jonathan David to make it 2-0, Marc Cucurella was in a one-on-two situation. Screenshot

The Mbappe – Vinicius overlap conundrum

Beyond the defensive issues on the left flank, Mourinho will have three weeks during the FIFA Days to resolve another problem concerning the operating areas of Mbappe and Vinicius. This is a perennial issue for the Santiago Bernabeu side.

Throughout the match against Atletico, Real Madrid's starting attacking quartet of Mbappe, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Guler managed only four shots: the Brazilian forward had the most with two attempts (only one inside the box), while Mbappe and Guler each had one (both from outside the box).

Passing map of Kylian Mbappe (number 10) and Vinicius (number 7) before the Brazilian forward left the field. Photo: Opta Analyst

While losing a player due to Huijsen's red card in the second half certainly derailed Real Madrid's attack, the first 45 minutes revealed a concern: Mbappe and Vinicius frequently operated in the same area on the left flank.

Atletico defended in a 5-3-2 block, with winger Giuliano dropping back to play as a wing-back. The central area was narrowed, forcing the French captain to actively drift wide or drop into the left half-space to receive the ball, seeking opportunities for his plays that require space.

Mbappe frequently drifting wide to receive the ball pushed Vinicius into the center, effectively a number 9 position. Screenshot

This forced Vinicius to tuck inside – into a number 9 position – whenever Mbappe had the ball, completely nullifying the Brazilian winger's dribbling opportunities and posing no threat to Atletico's center-backs. When both appeared in the same space, they were compelled to yield to each other.

A situation where Mbappe dribbled in from the wing but "encountered" Vinicius and had to pass the ball. Screenshot

This positional overlap inadvertently made it easier for Atletico's defensive system to cope, especially as Simeone's side deliberately concentrated their attacks on the right flank (Real Madrid's left). Whenever possession was lost, the hosts immediately had ample numbers to press and recover the ball.

The defeat not only sparked controversy but also exposed several issues Real Madrid needs to address.

Hoang Thong