Madrid: Atletico Madrid put on a fine performance against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Madrid derby in La Liga. Diego Simeone’s team won 5-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Metropolitano. In the 14th minute, Norman leapt from a set-piece cross from Simeone and headed the ball into the net to give the team the lead. However, Real Madrid hit back with their first two attacks. In the 25th minute, Kylian Mbappe beat Jan Oblak to level the score at 1-1 after a beautiful through ball from Arda Güler. Shortly afterwards, Arda Güler half-volleyed the ball into the net from a cutback by Vinicius Junior to give Real Madrid a 2–1 lead. Atletico then continued their attack, and although they thought they had equalised through Lenglet, VAR ruled out a goal for handball. However, in the first half of added time, Alexander Sorloth headed home a beautiful cross from Koke, past Corto, to make it 2–2. The second half was all Atletico Madrid’s. Six minutes after the restart, Güler’s dangerous high boot hit N. González in the face, and Atletico were awarded a penalty. Álvarez easily converted the penalty to make it 3–2. Álvarez led the attack and scored his second goal in the 63rd minute. A brilliant free-kick curled the ball over the wall, out of Kortho’s reach, and into the net, giving Los Colchoneros a commanding 4-2 lead. As Real Madrid pressed for a consolation goal, Atletico’s substitute Alex Baena intercepted a poor pass from Federico Valverde in midfield and played a brilliant through ball to Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman took advantage of the opportunity and calmly slotted the ball into his right foot, scoring Atletico’s fifth goal.
