Real Madrid secured a narrow 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to a stunning winner from Brahim Diaz.
The Spaniard’s decisive strike in the 55th minute handed Carlo Ancelotti’s side a slender advantage ahead of the return leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Rodrygo opened the scoring for the hosts within four minutes, sprinting past Javi Galan and cutting inside the box before curling a sublime shot beyond Jan Oblak.
The Brazilian’s early strike set the tone for an electrifying Madrid derby, marked by moments of individual brilliance.
Rodrygo, who had a penalty appeal dismissed shortly after, was praised by Ancelotti, who told TNT Sports, “Rodrygo helped us a lot to win the Champions League in the last three years.”
Atletico responded in the 32nd minute with an equally impressive goal. Julian Alvarez, in sensational form, received the ball on the left side of the box, wrongfooted Eduardo Camavinga, and unleashed a curling effort that left Thibaut Courtois helpless as it bounced in off the post.
The Argentine’s seventh goal in nine Champions League appearances this season showcased his growing influence since his £81 million move from Manchester City.
Despite Atletico’s resilience, it was Diaz who stole the spotlight. Stepping up in the absence of Jude Bellingham, who served a one-game suspension, the 25-year-old midfielder danced past Jose Gimenez with ease before driving a low shot into the far corner.
His 55th-minute winner sent the home crowd into raptures and highlighted his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
The derby, however, lacked the usual hostility and aggression, with Diaz’s leap into the crowd being the only incident warranting a yellow card.
Real Madrid nearly extended their lead late in the match, but a misjudged pass from Kylian Mbappe to Vinicius Jr. denied the Brazilian a simple tap-in.
Atletico midfielder Conor Gallagher remained optimistic despite the defeat. “Real Madrid are a top team and I think we competed well. It’s all to play for in the next leg,” he told TNT Sports, expressing confidence in Atletico’s chances with home support in the return leg on March 12.
The winner of this tie is likely to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, following the Gunners’ 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in their first-leg encounter.
With Bellingham set to return, Real Madrid will aim to build on their advantage, while Diego Simeone’s men will look to Alvarez’s scoring touch to stage a comeback.
As the stage shifts to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the battle between Madrid’s giants remains finely poised, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tie.