MADRID — Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz scored a second-half winner as the hosts edged out neighbors Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a scrappy first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday after Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Rodrygo's opener.
Real started on fire when Rodrygo scored a fine opener four minutes after kick-off but Atletico slowly got into the game and Alvarez equalized with a stunning strike in the 32nd minute.
Julian Alvarez goal vs Real Madrid
Julián Álvarez delivers an absolute GOLAZO to bring Atlético level ☄️ pic.twitter.com/VMz0F1FAcZ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 4, 2025
Rodrygo STUNS Atlético Madrid with a beautifully timed run and finish in under 5 minutes pic.twitter.com/GhTwta38GZ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 4, 2025
It was a stuttering capital derby between bitter rivals who at times looked to be playing within themselves, seemingly conserving some energy for what is likely to be a compelling return leg at Atletico's Metropolitano Stadium next week.
Real got the winner in the 55th through Diaz, who worked his magic to find a tiny pocket of space inside a crowded box and slotted a low, angled strike inside Jan Oblak's far post.
Surrounded by three opponents, the Morocco international worked some space with quick feet and left Atletico center back Jose Maria Gimenez on the ground before slotting the ball inside the far corner, giving Oblak no chance.
Brahim Díaz puts on his dancing shoes and slots it into the corner for Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/HRq1ANfq5t
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 4, 2025
The visitors took control of possession and were comfortable passing the ball around amid loud booing from the sold-out Bernabeu crowd who did not hide their frustration.
Atletico began the second half well with Rodrigo de Paul wasting a chance to give them the lead in the 53rd minute, a costly miss as two minutes later Brahim worked his magic to put Real back in front with a goal out of nothing.
Simeone appeared comfortable with the scoreline, replacing attacker Griezmann with center back Robin Le Normand and switching to five at the back to make sure Real's lead was no greater ahead of next week's mouth-watering second leg.
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris)
