Brahim Diaz winner gives Real Madrid a slender first leg lead over rivals Atletico in Champions League last 16 clash.
Published On 4 Mar 2025
A superb goal from Brahim Diaz helped Real Madrid maintain its dominance of the Madrid derby on Europe’s biggest stage with a 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
Real Madrid had taken an early lead in the fourth minute at the Bernabeu Stadium through Rodrygo, but Julian Alvarez levelled for Atletico with a stunning shot in the 32nd.
However, although Diego Simeone’s Atletico, who lost in the 2014 and 2016 finals against their bitter rivals, kept stars Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe quiet, they still came up short.
The Rojiblancos played it safe in the final stages, seeming to accept their one-goal disadvantage for the second-leg derby clash at home next week.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for Morocco international Diaz in midfield to replace the suspended Jude Bellingham, and selected Fede Valverde at right back after he was passed fit to play.
The Italian had demanded his side show a better attitude and more commitment than during their LaLiga defeat by Real Betis on Saturday, and his charges delivered.
Rodrygo pounced after just four minutes, slipping inside Javi Galan to collect Valverde’s teasing pass before firing home with his left foot across Jan Oblak and inside the far post.
It was the Brazilian winger’s fifth strike of the tournament, habitually shining on the European stage for Madrid, where he boasts 25 goals in 61 appearances.
Rodrygo wanted a penalty when Galan appeared to hold him back in the area but his appeals were waved away.
His compatriot Vinicius came close to netting Madrid’s second as he surged into the box but Jose Gimenez blocked his s