Atlético Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano on Sunday 20 September 2026. A red card for Real defender Dean Huijsen early in the second half turned the game, and goals from Alex Grimaldo and Jonathan David put Atlético in control before a late Antonio Rüdiger goal set up a nervy finish.
Atlético vs Real Madrid: Final Score and Goalscorers
Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid (La Liga, Metropolitano Stadium)
- Alex Grimaldo, 53' (Atlético): a penalty, after Huijsen was sent off
- Jonathan David, 59' (Atlético): slid in at the far post to meet Giuliano Simeone's cross
- Antonio Rüdiger, 89' (Real Madrid): a header from a Bernardo Silva free-kick
Match Report: How 10-Man Real Madrid Lost the Derby
It was a tense, bad-tempered first half in which Diego Simeone picked up an early yellow card for protesting a decision. Neither side made much of their chances before the break.
Everything changed in the 52nd minute. Huijsen was caught by a long ball over the top and brought down Giuliano Simeone as the last man, and he was sent off. Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty a minute later. Six minutes after that, David found space in the box and slid in to meet Giuliano Simeone's cross for the second. Atlético had been given a big lead with almost an hour played. Simeone had also sent on Koke at half-time to mark Vinícius Júnior.
Rüdiger gave Real hope with a firm, unmarked header from Silva's free-kick in the 89th minute, and the game went to six added minutes with Atlético dropping deep to defend. But the hosts held on for the win.
Atlético vs Real Madrid Stats
Atlético had 65% possession and 12 shots, seven on target, against Real's six shots and three on target. Atlético committed 19 fouls to Real's six, and it was Real who finished with a red card and needed the late goal to make the scoreline respectable.
What the Result Means
For Atlético: It was their third straight win, and it moves them a point above Real and five behind leaders Barcelona. They also became second in the table. Jonathan David and Grimaldo were both in scoring form, and the result is a big one for Simeone in his first derby meeting with José Mourinho since 2014.
For Real Madrid: They suffered a second defeat in three away games, and Mourinho's return to the Metropolitano ended in a disappointing derby. Real were outfought in midfield and lacked penetration against Jan Oblak. The gap to Barcelona, who won 3-1 at Sevilla on Saturday, is now six points.
What's Next for Atlético Madrid?
Atlético visit Alavés on 10 October and Espanyol on 17 October, then host Deportivo La Coruña on 25 October. Their home game against Barcelona follows on 8 November.
FAQ: Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid
What was the score in Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid?
Atlético won 2-1 at the Metropolitano on 20 September 2026.
Who scored in the Madrid derby?
Alex Grimaldo (penalty) and Jonathan David for Atlético, and Antonio Rüdiger for Real Madrid.
Why was Dean Huijsen sent off?
He was shown a straight red card in the 52nd minute for bringing down Giuliano Simeone as the last man.
Where does the result leave the La Liga table?
Atlético are second, a point above Real Madrid and five behind Barcelona.
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