Atlético Madrid edge Real Madrid 2-1 in Madrid derby to leap above rivals in La Liga

Abdullateef Fowewe

Atlético Madrid claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Madrid Derby on Sunday, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, moving above their city rivals into second place in the 2026/27 La Liga table.

Álex Grimaldo converted a penalty in the 52nd minute for his first derby goal after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, before Jonathan David added a second six minutes later.

Antonio Rüdiger headed a late consolation for Real Madrid in the 89th minute, but Atlético held firm.

The decisive moment came early in the second half when Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card (upgraded via VAR) for fouling Giuliano Simeone in the box, reducing Real Madrid to 10 men and conceding the penalty.

Simeone then provided the assist for David’s goal.

Jonathan David, on a season-long loan from Juventus since early September, scored his third goal in as many La Liga appearances for Atlético.

The Canadian striker has made an immediate impact after a modest first season in Serie A.

The result leaves Atlético on 16 points from seven matches (second place), one point ahead of Real Madrid (15 points, third), with Barcelona still clear at the top.

The win continues Atlético’s strong home form under Diego Simeone against a Real Madrid side managed by José Mourinho.