Álvarez Inspires Atlético’s Stunning 5-2 Derby Triumph Over Real Madrid

Julián Álvarez struck twice as Atlético Madrid overturned a deficit to thrash Real Madrid 5-2 in a breathtaking city derby on Saturday, handing the LaLiga leaders their first defeat of the campaign.

In front of nearly 70,000 ecstatic supporters at the Metropolitano, Diego Simeone’s side produced a rousing comeback from 2-1 down to climb to fourth in the table with 12 points. Real, despite the setback, remain top with 18 points, two clear of Barcelona, who still have a match in hand.

Atlético made an aggressive start and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Robin Le Normand rose highest to head home. Real responded swiftly, however, with Kylian Mbappé equalising on 25 minutes after bursting clear to finish emphatically. Eleven minutes later, Arda Güler volleyed in from a Vinícius Júnior cross to put the visitors ahead.

Alexander Sørloth’s header in first-half stoppage time dragged Atlético level, swinging momentum back to the hosts. Five minutes after the restart, Álvarez coolly converted from the penalty spot after Güler’s raised boot caught Nico González inside the area.

The Argentine forward doubled his tally in the 64th minute with a spectacular free-kick into the top corner, before substitute Antoine Griezmann capped the night in stoppage time by finishing off a rapid counter-attack that sent the stadium into delirium.

It was Atlético’s first victory over their fierce rivals since January 2024 and the first time they had hit five goals past Real in 75 years.

The result provided a significant boost for Simeone’s men, who had endured a sluggish start to the season with only one win in their opening six matches across all competitions. Coming off a dramatic Champions League defeat at Liverpool last week, Atlético had already shown signs of recovery with a 3-2 comeback victory over Rayo Vallecano in midweek.

Saturday’s emphatic performance not only silenced doubts over Simeone, now in his 14th season in charge and without silverware for four years, but also exposed Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were repeatedly undone by high balls into the box, with Atlético’s first two goals both originating from crosses.