Atletico Madrid Crushes Real Madrid 5-2 in Derby Thriller
Atletico Madrid Ends Real Madrid’s Winning Streak
Atletico Madrid produced a remarkable performance on September 28, 2025, to defeat their city rivals Real Madrid 5-2 at home, marking one of the most memorable Madrid derbies in recent years. This result not only halted Real Madrid’s perfect start to the La Liga season but also reignited Atletico’s own title ambitions, bringing them within six points of the league leaders.
Early Drama Sets the Tone
The match at the Civitas Metropolitano began with high intensity and immediate action. Atletico Madrid wasted little time in asserting themselves, as Robin Le Normand opened the scoring with a well-timed header. The home supporters erupted, but Real Madrid quickly responded, demonstrating why they had been unbeaten so far this season.
Kylian Mbappe, Real’s marquee signing, showed his quality by equalizing soon after. The French forward found space in the box and calmly slotted the ball past Atletico’s goalkeeper. Real Madrid continued to press, and their efforts paid off when young Turkish sensation Arda Guler put them ahead, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage.
Sorloth Brings Atletico Level Before the Break
Despite falling behind, Atletico Madrid refused to be discouraged. As the first half drew to a close, Alexander Sorloth rose highest to meet a cross, powering a header into the net to level the match at 2-2. The stadium was electric as both sets of fans anticipated a dramatic second half.
Atletico Takes Control in the Second Half
The momentum shifted decisively in Atletico’s favor after the interval. Early in the second half, a pivotal moment arrived when Nico Gonzalez was caught by a high boot from Arda Guler inside the penalty area. The referee did not hesitate to point to the spot, and Julian Alvarez stepped up to convert the penalty, restoring Atletico’s lead at 3-2.
Real Madrid, rattled by the quick turnaround, struggled to regain their composure. Atletico continued to press and were rewarded when Alvarez struck again, this time with a spectacular free-kick that left Real Madrid’s goalkeeper with no chance. The scoreline now read 4-2, and the home crowd sensed a famous victory in the making.
Griezmann Seals the Rout in Injury Time
As Real Madrid pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest, Atletico’s defense stood firm. The visitors’ attacking efforts were repeatedly thwarted by disciplined defending and sharp goalkeeping. In injury time, Antoine Griezmann put the finishing touch on an unforgettable night for Atletico fans, scoring a fifth goal to complete the rout and send the stadium into celebration.
Manager Reactions and Implications for La Liga
After the match, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso admitted that his team had been second-best on the night. He described the defeat as “painful” and conceded that his players lacked rhythm and intensity throughout the contest. The loss serves as a wake-up call for Real Madrid, who will now need to regroup quickly to maintain their position at the top of the table.
For Atletico Madrid, the victory is a statement of intent. The emphatic win not only boosts their confidence but also places them firmly back in the title race. With the La Liga season still in its early stages, this result could prove to be a turning point for both clubs.
Key Performers and Tactical Analysis
Atletico Madrid’s success was built on a combination of defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth provided crucial goals at key moments, while Julian Alvarez’s composure from the penalty spot and his stunning free-kick showcased his growing influence in the team. Antoine Griezmann’s late goal was the icing on the cake, capping a superb team performance.
On the other side, Real Madrid’s attack showed flashes of brilliance, particularly through Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler. However, defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion in midfield ultimately cost them dearly. Xabi Alonso will need to address these issues if Real Madrid are to maintain their challenge for domestic and European honors.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Title Race
With this result, Atletico Madrid have sent a clear message to the rest of La Liga. Their ability to dismantle the league leaders in such convincing fashion underlines their potential as genuine contenders. The coming weeks will be crucial as both teams look to build momentum and avoid further slip-ups.
For fans and neutrals alike, the Madrid derby has once again delivered high drama and top-quality football. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Atletico can sustain this level of performance and whether Real Madrid can bounce back from a humbling defeat.
For more detailed match analysis and statistics, visit AS English.