By Bootballer Desk • Football • Mar 05, 2025 00:35 AM • 201 views
Madrid, Spain – A moment of brilliance from Brahim Diaz proved decisive as Real Madrid edged Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a pulsating first-leg encounter of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rodrygo gave Los Blancos a dream start inside four minutes, but Julián Álvarez's stunning strike in the 32nd minute brought Diego Simeone's Atletico level. However, Diaz stepped up in the second half, dancing past defenders before slotting home the winner in the 55th minute, ensuring Madrid take a slender advantage into next week's return leg at the Metropolitano.
Rodrygo Strikes Early, Alvarez Responds in Style
With Jude Bellingham suspended, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti turned to Moroccan international Brahim Diaz in midfield and deployed Fede Valverde at right-back, a move that paid off handsomely.
Rodrigo, Madrid's man for the big European nights, struck early, capitalizing on Valverde's incisive pass to glide past Javi Galán and fire home past Jan Oblak. It was his fifth Champions League goal of the season and 25th in just 61 appearances.
The Brazilian almost won a penalty soon after, appearing to be held back by Galán, but his appeals were waived. Vinícius Jr. came close to doubling the lead, but a last-ditch block from José Giménez denied him.
However, Atletico found their rhythm and began asking about Madrid's backline. Fede Valverde was forced into a goal-line clearance, hacking away Giuliano Simeone's dangerous ball under pressure from Samuel Lino.
Then came Julián Álvarez's moment of magic. The former Manchester City striker, in red-hot form with 10 goals in his last 14 matches, wriggled free from Eduardo Camavinga before curling an exquisite strike into the top corner beyond a helpless Thibaut Courtois.
Diaz Delivers the Knockout Blow
With Atletico growing in confidence, Madrid needed a spark—and Diaz provided it spectacularly. The 24-year-old midfielder turned Giménez inside out, creating enough space to send a low finish past Oblak, sending the Bernabeu into a frenzy.
Atletico pressed for an equalizer, with Antoine Griezmann and Giménez both missing chances, but Ancelotti's tactical shift—bringing on veteran Luka Modric for added control—proved pivotal. The 39-year-old Croatian steadied Madrid's midfield, ensuring a composed finish to the game.
Real nearly extended their lead in stoppage time when Kylian Mbappé's cut-back just evaded Vinícius, while Oblak produced a brilliant save to deny Modric.
Second-Leg Showdown Awaits at the Metropolitano
The tie remains balanced, with Atletico hosting the return leg next week. While Madrid holds the upper hand, Simeone's men have already shown resilience in high-pressure encounters.
Elsewhere, Arsenal all but secured their quarter-final spot with a commanding 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven, while Aston Villa won 3-1 at Club Brugge, and Borussia Dortmund played out a 1-1 draw with Lille.
Can Madrid finish the job, or will Atletico stage a famous comeback on home turf? All eyes now turn to the Metropolitano for another chapter in this fierce rivalry.
