Atletico ended its rival’s perfect start on Sunday with a 3-1 win in their first Spanish league derby of the season at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in the sixth round of the Spanish League. Over the past 10 years, Atletico have consistently punched above their weight. Under coach Diego Simeone they've won the league twice in 2014 and 2021, and finished second in 2018 and 2019, breaking up the big two. They haven't finished outside the top three since 2012. The hosts scored twice inside the opening 15 minutes of the first half and then within seconds of the second period being underway, catching Real Madrid completely cold. Three crosses from the left and three headers inside the penalty area, two for Álvaro Morata against his former club, either side of an Antoine Griezmann effort.
Morata’s second goal seconds after the restart completely changed the complexion of the game and undid all the good work Carlo Ancelotti’s side had done in the closing stages of the first half. Long-distance efforts from Aurélien Tchouaméni and Antonio Rüdiger fizzed past the post but, in truth, Jan Oblak had little to do, despite Madrid’s possession, with Jude Bellingham struggling to get into the game. Just the second win in 13 matches for Atleti in the derby and one they worked incredibly hard for. According to Opta, Morata and Antoine Griezmann gave Atletico a 2-0 lead inside 18 minutes, and after Toni Kroos reduced the deficit before the break, Spain captain Morata headed his second against his former club a minute after the restart for the first time since February 2015, that is, 8 years ago. Real Madrid has 15 points from 5 matches in the Spanish League this season, while Atletico has 7 points from 4 matches.