Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over city rivals Atletico in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash at home thanks to a Brahim Diaz winner.
Diaz was the main man for Los Blancos on the day, stepping into midfield in place of the suspended-Jude Bellingham to ultimately give Real the advantage ahead of the second-leg.
Madrid already had the lead on the night inside four minutes after Rodrigo’s exquisite run and finish lit up the crowd at the Bernabeu.
However, a wonder strike from Julian Alvarez got the visitors back into the game before the end of the first half, and the match then looked likely to go in anybody’s favor.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men returned to action in the second 45 with the Santiago Bernabeu crowd cheering them on to victory, and only 10 minutes later, Diaz skipped past Mario Gimenez in the Atleti box to put the hosts ahead for the second time on the night.
Though his side were behind in the second half, Diego Simeone’s tactics indicated that he was pleased with the result staying that way until the final whistle as he made further defensive adjustments to prevent his side from further concession.
The final minutes of the game unexpectedly presented a golden opportunity for Real to run away with the tie when Kylian Mbappe aimed to find Vinicius Jr who was through on goal.
However, the Frenchman’s cross was not clever enough to extend Real Madrid’s advantage on the big night, and Atleti were happy the result stayed that way before they return to the Metrapolitano to enjoy the home benefit next week.
