Real Madrid registered their dominance and experience in the Champions League as they beat league rivals Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The host went up just four minutes into the game thanks to Brazilian star Rodrygo.
The Brazilian put the hosts ahead when he sprinted past Javi Galan and chopped inside before bending a wonderful hit past Jan Oblak. Atletico, though, quickly settled into the game and levelled in the 32nd minute with another wonderful goal.
The in-form former Manchester City man Julian Alvarez picked up the ball on the left side of the box, wrongfooted Eduardo Camavinga and whipped a spectacular curling strike around Thibaut Courtois and in off the post. It was the Argentine striker’s seventh goal in nine appearances in the competition.
Brahim Diaz then scored a brilliant winner to give Real Madrid a slender advantage over city rivals Atletico first leg advantage. It was like a fight for ex Man City player as Diaz, who is former Manchester City player was the one who claimed the decisive goal in the Madrid derby.
The Spaniard sent Atletico defender Jose Gimenez to the floor as he skilfully waltzed into the box before driving a low shot into the far corner in the 55th minute.
Madrid was without Jude Bellingham because he is serving a one-game suspension after picking up his third yellow card in the competition against City. He will be available for the defending champions when they make the short trop to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the return leg on Wednesday, 12 March (20:00 GMT).
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