Racist chants from some Atletico Madrid fans soured Sunday’s derby, as Real Madrid went on to maintain their winning start to the season.
Real Madrid returned to the summit of LaLiga by beating neighbors Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a full-throttle derby.
Racist chants targeting Vinicius Junior from a large group of Atleti fans outside the Civitas Metropolitano marred Sunday’s pre-kick-off meeting but Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced the perfect response on the pitch.
Rodrygo continued his excellent form with a superb finish from Aurelien Tchouameni’s superb pass before Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s tally.
An improved second-half performance from Atleti saw substitute Mario Hermoso score in the 83rd minute before being sent off as Madrid held on to make it nine out of nine in all competitions this season.
Atleti defender Felipe had the first chance in the sixth minute when he headed over Rodrigo de Paul’s free kick.
Yannick Carrasco scored in the last meeting between the great rivals and his shot was deflected at the end of a fine drive – Joao Felix saw the shot blocked from the resulting corner.
Yet Madrid struck with their first shot in the 18th minute, Rodrygo poking home from a wonderful one-two with Tchouameni, whose sublime, lofted pass eluded Felipe.
Antoine Griezmann drew a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois as Atleti looked for an equaliser, but Madrid were in complete control as Valverde expertly headed home from a tight angle after Vinicius had hit the post.
Despite Courtois saving Carrasco before the break, Madrid kept Atleti at arm’s length after the restart and Simeone turned to Matheus Cunha and Alvaro Morata around the hour mark.
Still, it was the defender who set up the final in the stands – Courtois waved for a corner and Hermoso turned the ball off his shoulder.
However, Atleti’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Hermoso was harshly booked for a second card for shoving Dani Ceballos in the corner, two minutes after being booked for dissent.
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