Real Madrid secure narrow Champions League advantage against Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid have secured a slender advantage in their Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The win sets the stage for a thrilling second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Atletico will look to overturn the deficit and progress to the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid drew first blood in the tie, with Rodrygo Goes netting a stunning solo effort inside the opening four minutes.

The Brazilian winger cut inside from the right flank, leaving Atletico’s Clement Lenglet  in his wake, before unleashing a precise strike that gave Jan Oblak no chance.

Atletico were caught off guard by the early goal, but they gradually found their footing in the game. Julian Alvarez, the former Manchester City striker, proved to be the catalyst for Atletico’s resurgence, scoring a sublime equalizer that left the Real Madrid defense reeling.

Alvarez collected the ball on the left wing, beat his marker with a clever step-over, and then fired an unstoppable shot into the far corner via the post.

It was the Argentine striker’s seventh goal in nine appearances in the competition and sixth from his last six games in all competitions.

Meanwhile the second half saw Atletico start on the front foot, but Real Madrid weathered the storm and struck against the run of play.

Brahim Diaz, another former Manchester City player, proved to be the match-winner, scoring a goal of sheer quality. Diaz left Jose Maria Gimenez in his wake with a devastating turn of pace, before firing a precise shot across Oblak and into the far corner.

With the score at 2-1, the substitution battle commenced, with Diego Simeone making a series of tactical changes in an attempt to find an equalizer.

However, despite introducing the likes of Alexander Sorloth and Angel Correa who have emerged as Simeone’s trusted lieutenants in times of adversity, Atletico were unable to find the elusive second goal, and Real Madrid held on for a vital win.

The victory marks Real Madrid’s first derby win in regular time at the ninth time of asking, having previously lost one and drawn seven.

While the advantage is theirs, Real Madrid will be aware that the tie is far from over, and Atletico will fancy their chances of overturning the deficit in the second leg, buoyed by their vociferous home support.

A draw would be enough for Real Madrid to progress, but Atletico will be gunning for a win to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

The post Real Madrid secure narrow Champions League advantage against Atletico Madrid first appeared on 3News.

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