Real Madrid edged out Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a tense Champions League last-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, with Brahim Diaz’s second-half goal proving to be the difference.
The match started with an early strike from Rodrygo Goes, putting Madrid ahead within the first few minutes. However, Atletico responded through Julian Alvarez, who netted a brilliant individual goal to level the score. But Diaz’s tidy finish in the 55th minute restored Madrid’s lead, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, worked hard to contain stars like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe but ultimately couldn’t find an equalizer. Despite the loss, Atletico’s Alvarez remained optimistic, stating that the tie was still very much alive ahead of the second leg at home.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s improved performance in the second half and said they achieved their objective of gaining a small advantage going into the second leg.
