Real Madrid edges Atletico 2-1 in first Champions League clash

Real Madrid claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite taking an early lead, Los Blancos faced stiff resistance from the visitors, setting the stage for a dramatic second leg.

The hosts struck first in the 4th minute when Federico Valverde delivered a perfectly weighted pass behind the defense to Rodrygo. The Brazilian outpaced Javier Galan, weaved past Clement Lenglet, and slotted a precise shot past Jan Oblak into the right corner to make it 1-0.

Atletico responded in the 32nd minute through Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward skillfully outmaneuvered Eduardo Camavinga at the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful diagonal strike into Thibaut Courtois’ left corner for the equalizer.

Real reclaimed the lead in the 55th minute when Brahim Diaz showcased his technical brilliance inside the penalty area, deceiving José María Jiménez before burying a clinical finish into the bottom left corner of Oblak’s net for 2-1.

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🎯 @Brahim 🎯 pic.twitter.com/tEEkUvoHGq

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 4, 2025

Atletico pushed for another equalizer and nearly found it in the 60th minute. Antoine Griezmann surged past Camavinga and Mendy, firing a fierce shot that Courtois expertly parried away. Moments later, Jiménez had a dangerous opportunity from a set-piece, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

With a slender lead heading into the second leg, Real Madrid will look to finish the job, while Atletico remains firmly in contention for a comeback at the Wanda Metropolitano.