Jonathan David secures Atlético 2-1 win over 10-man Real Madrid in Madrid derby

At the Metropolitano on 20 September 2026, Atlético Madrid beat 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 in the Madrid derby, with Álex Grimaldo and Jonathan David scoring before Antonio Rüdiger reduced the deficit late in the game.

Diego Simeone described the week in Madrid as a “tremendous energy about the city”, saying he had enjoyed the Formula One and going to see Shakira, and that the match closed the week the way he wanted. Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak said: “A lot has happened in Madrid this week but this was the only thing that mattered in his mind and mine.” José Mourinho’s first derby back ended in defeat; he attended the post-match press conference with images he believed showed Atlético players Lee Kang-in and Cristian Romero should have been sent off.

The first half was low on clear chances: it took 20 minutes before Aurélien Tchouaméni struck over from 25 yards, and Atlético’s first effort on target arrived in the 39th minute when Oblak pushed Arda Guler’s shot away. The game was fractious throughout, with early confrontations after Guler was fouled by Álex Baena and a booking for Simeone on the bench; Marc Pubill’s tackle on Kylian Mbappé and other physical moments punctuated the opening 45 minutes.

A contentious VAR intervention involving Jude Bellingham and Cristian Romero saw an initial red card shown to Bellingham for a sliding challenge on Romero rescinded after the referee viewed the footage; the decision was overturned when Romero’s studs were shown to have struck Bellingham’s knee. Atlético felt other incidents warranted cards as well, and at half-time Atlético’s goalkeeper coach and Real’s assistant were sent off by the officials.

The second half changed the match. Koke’s introduction preceded Atlético’s first shot on target when Álex Baena forced a save, and a long ball from David Hancko to Giuliano Simeone led to Dean Huijsen dragging Simeone down in the area. Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz pointed to the spot, went to the VAR screen to change the colour of the card, and Huijsen was sent off; Grimaldo converted the penalty to put Atlético ahead.

Mourinho responded by replacing Guler and Vinícius with Yan Diomandé and Antonio Rüdiger — the article notes Vinícius had 22 touches — but Atlético extended their lead when Lee Kang-in worked the ball to Simeone whose low cross was turned in by Jonathan David. David was withdrawn immediately and replaced by Julián Alvarez to whistles from the home crowd; Courtois produced a fine save from Romero and Ibrahima Konaté cleared off the line from Alvarez before Ademola Lookman was introduced.

Real’s presence in Atlético’s box was limited after the break: the report states not once in the second half did Real touch the ball in Oblak’s area until the 89th minute, and Kylian Mbappé is described as barely touching the ball. When Yan Diomandé finally broke forward with 15 minutes remaining, Oblak saved a shot hit straight at him, and from a dead ball in the 89th minute Rüdiger headed in to give Real a late lifeline.

Atlético held on for a 2-1 victory, a result that sent Simeone sprinting up the tunnel punching the air at full-time.