Real Madrid stumbled once again at the Metropolitano as Atlético Madrid secured a 2–1 victory in the Madrid Derby, evoking memories of the turning point that marked Xabi Alonso’s downfall last season.
Despite a different scoreline and manager, the defeat arrived at a strikingly similar juncture: a promising start for Real Madrid, a major test against their rivals, and a painful loss raising critical questions ahead of an extended international break that grants José Mourinho time to reassess his plans.
Huijsen Red Card Hands Atlético Derby Advantage
The first half proved cagey and physical, characterized by frequent stoppages and limited goalscoring opportunities, with Atlético successfully stifling Real Madrid’s attack and neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
The dynamic shifted in the 51st minute when Dean Huijsen brought down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area while through on goal. The referee awarded a penalty and showed a straight red card to the Spanish defender for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity as the last man.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty in the 53rd minute. Just six minutes later, Atlético capitalized on Real Madrid’s defensive disarray to add a second goal through Jonathan David following a cross from Giuliano Simeone, effectively sealing the derby victory.
Mourinho attempted to reorganize his ten-man side by introducing Antonio Rüdiger for Arda Güler and Ousmane Diomande for Vinícius. However, Real Madrid could only manage a late consolation goal through Rüdiger. Atlético held on to secure their third consecutive league victory, following a 3–0 win over Real Sociedad and a 4–0 triumph against Osasuna.
Echos of the Xabi Alonso Era?
Real Madrid entered last season’s derby on a seven-match winning streak before suffering their first defeat under Xabi Alonso—a 5–2 loss at the Metropolitano that ignited the first major wave of doubt surrounding the Spanish manager’s project.
While Alonso did not depart immediately, he gradually lost control of the squad and left his position on January 12, 2026, following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Comparisons are naturally resurfacing, though reaching definitive conclusions on Mourinho’s tenure after a single derby defeat remains premature.
The defeat marks Mourinho’s third loss against Atlético in 12 career encounters across all competitions (eight wins, one draw). The Portuguese manager had won all six of his previous league matches against Los Colchoneros during his first tenure at Real Madrid, alongside two Copa del Rey wins, a 2013 Copa final defeat, and a draw and loss with Chelsea in the 2014 UEFA Champions League semi-finals prior to this derby setback.
Standings and Post-International Break Schedules
Atlético Madrid elevated their tally to 16 points to move temporarily into second place behind league leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid remain on 15 points, slipping to third place pending the completion of Matchday fixtures, recording their second league defeat of the season.
Following the international break, Atlético travel to face Alavés on October 11 before hosting Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on October 13. Real Madrid will entertain Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 10, followed by a Champions League trip to face Roma on October 14.
