The Madrid derby is never an ordinary game in La Liga, Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid and the match of this day, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano had great weight on both sides.
Stakes and form
Real Madrid came into this game without any league losses to date and on a high morale which made them number one in the table.
Atlético, on its part, had had a more difficult beginning, with more mixed outcomes and performances.
In the case of Atlético, a victory against its rivals would be a significant boost of morale and a way of repairing trust. To Real, it was necessary to continue their flawless streak and demonstrate that they are capable of dealing with pressure in big games.
Teamwork, formations and strategy.
The starting lineup of Real consisted of Courtois, a back four of Carvajal, Militão, Huijsen and Carreras, a midfield trio of Tchouaméni, Valverde and Bellingham and forward players Arda Gueler, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.
Atlico used Jan Oblak in goal; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet and Hancko in the back line; Koke, Barrios, Nico Gonzalez and Giuliani in the midfield; and Julian Alvarez, Griezmann and Alexander Sornoth up front.
Atlético anticipated using typical defensive structure, strength on direct actions, or counter attacks or switches. Real would probably want to dominate the ball, play wide (through Vinícius and Güler) and commit break opportunities on behalf of Mbappé.
Considering this arrangement, the match was expected to be closely fought, and the margin of error was low, and decisive moments of the game were expected to emerge because of the performance of individuals, a set piece or a lapse in concentration.
Summary and important moments of the match.
And what ensued was more dramatic and emphatic than most of us expected. Atlético turned the tide and staged a formidable performance and ended up beating Real Madrid 5 goals to 2.
The following is a breakdown of the way the match unfolded:
First half
From Atlético, the first to strike was Robin Le Normand. At the time when Real were yet endeavoring to settle in, a cross or delivery into the box was such as Le Normand had to convert.
Real replied: Kylian Mbappé provided them with a lifeline by scoring, and pressured Atlético once again.
Arda Güler then added another to the Real side, changing the tide in the favour of Madrid. By that stage, Real were in the lead and appeared to be in control.
However, at the eve of halftime, Atlético scored its first goal: Alexander Srensen Sorelath scored with a powerful header, thus evening the score and changing the psychological situation.
Thus, the first half was now tied at 2-2 which led to an exciting second half.
Second half & turning tide
Atlético took over in the second half and dominated. Their aggressive, pre-determined performance, and their focus on tactics appeared to disrupt the defensive system of Real.
Julian Álvarez was the main man: he scored a penalty, and a free-kick, turning the advantage of his side completely.
Lastly, it was a late fifth goal by Antoine Griezmann that gave Atlético a resounding lead and completed a theatrical two-sided attack.
At the moment the final whistle was heard, Atlético had been emphatic in its 5–2 victory: domination of the derby, self-esteem returned, and a huge dent in the idea of Real invincibility.
Atlético’s strengths on show
Set pieces & aerial threat
Set plays have frequently been a threat to Atlanta and this afternoon Solrloth headed powerfully just before the break and now that was a fine aerial display on his part. Their set-piece defenses and attacks appeared to be sharper and Real were at times under pressure in such situations.
Pressing & transition
Atlético then threw on the intensity, after the equalizer. They were aggressive, destroyed the build-up of Real by kicking him in the back and creating mistakes. Their changes were successful – they caught Real unawares in the attempt to impose possession.
Álvarez as difference maker
The fact that Julian Avalier scored two goals (the first was a penalty, the second was a free kick) is evidence of his calm and technical prowess. Players such as him usually tip the scales in close encounters. No wonder Diego Simeone singled him out during his after match accolade.
Group faith and psychological change.
This resurgence and domination following Real had gone ahead to lead demonstrates some mental strength. The players of Atlético did not abandon their procedures and the audience probably had something to do with boosting confidence during crucial moments.
Weaknesses of Real Madrid were revealed.
Weakness on the offensive.
When Atlético stepped up their pressure, Real was having issues with its back line. They were brought down by positional lapses, poor communication and inadequacy to adequately attack set-piece deliveries.
Failure to maintain control
Although Real had possession spells, they could not actually control the tempo. The press and transitions of atlético made them reactive and not proactive.
Reliance on forward flashes.
The work of Mbappé and Gulers demonstrated that Real did not stop attacking, yet the balance between defense and attack was shifted too much when Atlético recovered. They were not able to gain control again when the tide turned against them.
Implications & aftermath
This outcome is especially dramatic in La Liga standings. Atlético improve, and confidence and goal difference strengthens them. Even after their good opening, Real Madrid now get a big blow to their reputation of invincibility.
This is a big boost to Diego Simeone and his Atlético. Their premature season was at times in trouble, yet such a derby showing can act like a stepping-stone.
The coach of Real Madrid Xabi Alonso is likely to answer harsh questions on the organization of the defense, balance of the squad, and the weakness to withstand pressure. Interestingly, this is the first high profile Madrid derby under Alonso.
More generally, the outcome restarts the title race discourse: Real can no longer boast of flawless dominance, and Atlético (as well as other contenders) can feel weak.
Final thoughts
The 52 result is dominant, yet it serves as the story of the game: Real began well, took over phases, and displayed attacking energy – but Atlético responded to the challenge, reversed it before the break, and dominated afterward.
Football is so often a matter of highs and lows in terms of psychology and the point when Atlético found itself even was critical. Thereafter, momentum, belief and tactical execution were heavily tipped in their favor.
To both fans and analysts, it is a lesson: in derbies and at the highest level of leagues, form can never be considered safe, confidence is a factor, and nothing can be safe at all, especially against a spirited, organised and tactically wise opponent. The next day, the discussion will be on how Real reacts in the next games and whether the Atlético can continue the wave and achieve regular results.
