Atletico Madrid Humiliates Real Madrid in Historic Derby

Atletico Madrid’s Five-Goal Triumph Shocks the Capital

Atletico Madrid delivered a performance for the ages on September 28, 2025, crushing Real Madrid 5-2 in a fiery Madrid derby at the Metropolitano Stadium. This result not only ended Real Madrid’s unbeaten run in La Liga but also marked the first time in 75 years that Atletico scored five goals against their city rivals in a single league match.

Early Drama: Atletico Strikes, Real Responds

The match began with intensity and pace, setting the stage for a classic derby. Atletico Madrid opened the scoring with a powerful header from Robin Le Normand, igniting the home crowd and putting immediate pressure on the visitors.
Real Madrid, managed by Xabi Alonso, showed resilience and quickly turned the tide. Kylian Mbappé, continuing his impressive start to life in Spain, leveled the score with a composed finish. Moments later, young Turkish star Arda Güler found the net, giving Real Madrid a 2-1 advantage and silencing the Atletico faithful.

Atletico’s Response: Sorloth and Álvarez Lead the Charge

Despite falling behind, Atletico Madrid refused to capitulate. Just before halftime, Alexander Sorloth rose above the Real Madrid defense to head home the equalizer, sending both teams into the break level at 2-2. The atmosphere inside the Metropolitano was electric, with both sets of fans sensing that more drama was to come.
The second half belonged entirely to Atletico Madrid. Julián Álvarez, who had previously missed a crucial penalty against Real Madrid, seized his chance for redemption. Early in the half, a high boot from Arda Güler on Nico Gonzalez resulted in a penalty for Atletico. Álvarez stepped up with confidence and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, restoring Atletico’s lead at 3-2.

Álvarez’s Brilliance and Griezmann’s Finishing Touch

Álvarez’s influence on the match only grew as the minutes ticked by. He showcased his technical ability and composure by curling a superb free-kick into the top corner, extending Atletico’s advantage to 4-2. The home support erupted, sensing a famous victory in the making.
As Real Madrid pushed forward in search of a late comeback, Atletico remained disciplined and lethal on the counterattack. In injury time, Antoine Griezmann put the final nail in the coffin, finishing off a swift counter to make it 5-2. The Frenchman’s goal sealed a memorable night for Atletico and ensured a result that will be remembered for generations.

Implications for La Liga: Real Madrid’s First Defeat

This emphatic victory has significant ramifications for the La Liga title race. Real Madrid, who had won all six of their previous league matches and their Champions League opener, suffered their first defeat of the season under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship. The loss exposes vulnerabilities in the team and raises questions about their defensive stability in high-pressure matches.
Atletico Madrid’s win propels them into fourth place in the league standings, narrowing the gap to Real Madrid to six points. With renewed confidence and momentum, Diego Simeone’s side has reasserted itself as a genuine contender for the title. The performance also sends a warning to the rest of the league that Atletico, when at their best, can dismantle even the strongest opponents.

Key Players and Tactical Mastery

Several players were instrumental in Atletico’s historic win. Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth provided crucial goals at pivotal moments, while Julián Álvarez’s brace and overall contribution earned him man-of-the-match honors. Antoine Griezmann’s late goal was the perfect exclamation point on a night of attacking brilliance.
Diego Simeone’s tactical approach was spot-on, with Atletico pressing high, exploiting Real Madrid’s defensive lapses, and maintaining composure under pressure. In contrast, Real Madrid’s backline struggled to cope with Atletico’s relentless attacks, and Xabi Alonso will need to address these issues as the season progresses.

Historical Context and Fan Reactions

The significance of this result cannot be overstated. The last time Atletico Madrid scored five goals against Real Madrid in a derby was 75 years ago, making this performance a milestone in the club’s history. The victory was celebrated passionately by the Atletico supporters, who witnessed a night of attacking football rarely seen in Madrid derbies.
Fans and pundits alike hailed Atletico’s performance as one of the most complete and dominant displays in recent memory. Social media buzzed with praise for Simeone’s men, while questions were raised about Real Madrid’s ability to recover from such a heavy defeat.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Sides?

For Atletico Madrid, this victory provides a platform to build upon as they seek to climb further up the La Liga table. The confidence gained from dismantling their fiercest rivals will serve them well in the coming fixtures, both domestically and in Europe.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of restoring his team’s defensive solidity while maintaining their attacking threat. With the season still young, there is ample time for Real Madrid to recover, but the memory of this derby defeat will linger.

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