Atletico Madrid defeat 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 as Dean Huijsen sees red

First-half friction and tactical setups

Jose Mourinho opted for defensive solidity in midfield by starting Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of Bernardo Silva. The opening 45 minutes produced few clear scoring opportunities as Real Madrid's attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham found little space against Diego Simeone's back line. Physical challenges dictated the rhythm before the interval. In one key incident, Bellingham made a sliding challenge and Atletico defender Cristian Romero stepped onto his leg. Referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias initially booked Bellingham, but after reviewing video footage on the pitchside monitor, he rescinded Bellingham's yellow card and booked Romero. Real Madrid also protested another tackle when Lee Kang-in caught Federico Valverde without receiving a card before half-time.

Dismissal and two quick Atletico goals

The match changed early in the second half following a long pass from Atletico centre-back David Hancko. Giuliano Simeone ran behind the Real Madrid defensive line and went to the ground after Dean Huijsen grabbed his arm in the box. Ortiz Arias initially awarded a penalty and booked Huijsen, but upgraded the card to a direct red following a video assistant referee review in the 52nd minute. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty kick in the 53rd minute, beating Thibaut Courtois to give Atletico the lead. Six minutes later, Jonathan David doubled the advantage by finishing a low cross from Giuliano Simeone in the 59th minute, recording his third goal in three matches.

Real Madrid reaction and defensive stops

Mourinho reacted to the dismissal and opening goal by immediately withdrawing Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler, introducing Antonio Rudiger in defence alongside club-record signing Yan Diomande. Atletico pressed forward and nearly scored a third goal when Courtois made a save to deny substitute Julian Alvarez, who had replaced David. Grimaldo attempted to turn in the rebound, but Ibrahima Konate reacted to clear the ball off the goal line. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak stopped an effort from Diomande, while Bellingham engaged in a verbal confrontation with Giuliano Simeone. Real Madrid reduced the deficit in the 89th minute when Rudiger scored a header from a free kick, but Atletico held on through six minutes of added time.

Post-match altercations and title race implications

Confrontations continued after the final whistle, with altercations between Rudiger and Atletico midfielder Morten Hjulmand. The referee issued two red cards following the conclusion of the match, including one shown to a member of Mourinho's coaching staff. The loss marks Mourinho's first La Liga derby defeat against Atletico across his coaching career, having previously won all six league derbies during his initial stint at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. The defeat is Real Madrid's second loss in their first seven league matches, leaving them six points behind league leaders Barcelona in third place. Atletico Madrid climbed to second place, moving one point ahead of Real Madrid and five points behind Barcelona.