The Madrid derby was tense from the opening minutes at Metropolitano, but Real faced a disadvantage early in the second half. With the score still 0-0, Dean Huijsen fouled Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area and received a red card after the referee consulted VAR. Atletico capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring two goals in just seven minutes, courtesy of Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David.

Dean Huijsen (right) fouls Giuliano Simeone, leading to a penalty and a red card, during the Atletico Madrid versus Real Madrid La Liga match at Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain, 20/9. Photo: AP

The first half unfolded with a pace and technical quality that did not match the atmosphere at Metropolitano. Atletico fans constantly applied pressure, while Real struggled to build play from their own half. After five minutes, coach Diego Simeone received a yellow card for protesting to the referee. Mourinho also frequently stood on the touchline, shouting instructions to his players.

Atletico created more notable opportunities midway through the half. In the 22nd minute, Giuliano Simeone shot wide after Ibrahima Konate failed to clear the ball under pressure from Jonathan David. 10 minutes later, Thibaut Courtois had to dive to parry a dangerous cross from Kang-In Lee, before Konate blocked a shot from David Llorente.

Real also had chances, but they lacked sharpness. Vinicius Junior attempted two shots from outside the box, both missing the target. Kylian Mbappe made some poor decisions, while Arda Guler also failed to make an impact with long-range efforts.

In the 38th minute, the match heated up after a collision between Jude Bellingham and Cristian Romero. Bellingham initially received a yellow card, but referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias reviewed VAR and rescinded it. Romero was still booked for stepping on Bellingham's knee. This incident heightened the tension, with players from both teams engaging in fierce contests.

In the 50th minute, Giuliano broke free after a long pass from David Hancko. Huijsen tracked closely and pulled his opponent's arm as the Atletico forward entered the penalty area. Initially, the referee issued only a yellow card and awarded Atletico a penalty. After reviewing the VAR monitor, he changed his decision, sending off the Real center-back.

Grimaldo converted the penalty with a low shot into the bottom left corner, even though Courtois guessed correctly. This was Grimaldo's second goal in La Liga this season and marked a period of complete control for Atletico.

Six minutes later, Giuliano Simeone continued to make an impact, breaking down the right wing and delivering a cross. Jonathan David rushed in to finish with a one-touch left-footed shot, extending the lead to 2-0. That was David's third goal in three La Liga matches for Atletico.

The conceded goals further unsettled Real. Atletico had another clear chance to increase their lead in the 66th minute. Romero headed from a corner, forcing Courtois into a diving save. The ball rebounded directly to Julian Alvarez, but the Argentina forward's follow-up shot was cleared off the goal line by Konate.

In the stands, "Ole" chants began to echo as Atletico repeatedly passed the ball against Real's ten-man defense. Simeone continuously signaled for his players to remain calm. In the 82nd minute, Bellingham was substituted to cheers from the home crowd, with Bernardo Silva coming on.

Real managed to pull one goal back in the 89th minute. Bernardo Silva delivered a free-kick from the right wing for Rudiger to head diagonally into Jan Oblak's bottom left corner, narrowing the score to 1-2. However, there was insufficient time for Jose Mourinho's side to salvage a point.

The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Atletico. Simeone ran onto the field, pumping his fist in celebration, while Mourinho approached to console his players. Atletico secured three points by capitalizing on their numerical advantage, while Real paid the price for Huijsen's red card.

The defeat also left Real six points adrift of league leaders Barcelona. The team will have a three-week break before hosting Villarreal at Bernabeu on 10/10.