Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. In an intense derby, Brahim Diaz’s brilliant second-half goal made the difference, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The hosts took an early lead when Rodrygo dazzled past Javi Galan and curled a stunning shot past Jan Oblak inside four minutes. Atletico responded in the 32nd minute through Julian Alvarez, who wrongfooted Eduardo Camavinga before bending a superb strike off the post and into the net. It was the Argentine’s seventh goal in nine appearances in the competition.
The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Brahim Diaz showed his skill, sending Jose Gimenez to the floor before slotting a low shot into the far corner. The 25-year-old stepped up in the absence of Jude Bellingham, who was suspended but will return for the second leg.
Real Madrid had opportunities to extend their lead, with Kylian Mbappe failing to set up Vinicius Jr. in stoppage time, while Luka Modric’s effort was saved. Atletico, meanwhile, struggled to threaten Thibaut Courtois after Diaz’s goal, appearing content to take a narrow deficit back home.
The second leg at the Metropolitano on March 12 will be decisive, with the winners likely facing Arsenal in the quarter-finals after the Gunners’ dominant 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven. With Bellingham set to return, Real Madrid will look to finish the job, while Diego Simeone’s side must find a way to break down their city rivals. The stage is set for another thrilling encounter in Madrid.
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