Real Madrid battled to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in the Champions League, giving Los Blancos the upper hand heading into next week's second leg.
The result gives Los Blancos a narrow lead going into the reverse fixture next Wednesday, where Los Rojiblancos will be aiming to make use of their home advantage to get back into the tie.
There was plenty of excitement in the lead-up to this encounter, and the opening minutes certainly made good on that promise, as Rodrygo fired a sensational strike into the top corner inside four minutes, but Atletico Madrid responded well, taking control of the ball and eventually pulling level through Julian Alvarez's curled effort, leaving everything still to play for at half-time.
Atletico Madrid picked up where they left off after the restart, dominating possession in pursuit of the next goal, but in typical Real Madrid fashion, Los Blancos scored from nowhere to reclaim the lead through Brahim Diaz's skilful goal, giving them the advantage heading into next week's second-leg clash.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Carlo Ancelotti would have been delighted as his side started the match on the front foot, racing into the lead inside four minutes thanks to Rodrygo's sublime left-footed strike, but Atletico Madrid responded incredibly well and soon took control of the match.
While Los Rojiblancos deserve credit for their fightback, Real Madrid were equally at fault, as their tempo massively declined from the rapid start they had made, seemingly resting on their laurels after the early opener.
However, in typical Real Madrid fashion, Los Blancos found a goal from out of nowhere to re-take the lead, and that advantage, alongside the added presence of Luka Modric, allowed the hosts to assert much more authority over the ball and the match.
Diego Simeone reverted to familiar tactics as Real Madrid grew in confidence, bringing on a fifth defender to keep the difference at just one goal, setting up what promises to be another thrilling second-leg encounter in the Champions League.
REAL MADRID VS. ATLETICO MADRID HIGHLIGHTS
Rodrygo goal vs. Atletico Madrid (4th min, Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid)
Rodrygo with a stunner, what a start for Real Madrid!
Federico Valverde feeds a wonderful through ball in behind Javi Galan for Rodrygo to chase, and the Brazilian races past the full back and surges into the Atletico box.
Rodrygo cuts inside onto his left foot and curls his effort between two defenders and into the top left corner, leaving Jan Oblak with absolutely no chance.
Julian Alvarez goal vs. Real Madrid (32nd min, Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid)
Wow! Alvarez has equalised with an absolute beauty!
Atletico are enjoying a long period of possession as they search for a way back into the game, working the ball out to Alvarez on the left side of the Real Madrid box.
The Argentine manages to get away from Eduardo Camavinga and into a shooting position, and his effort dips and curls past Thibaut Courtois and into the net via the post.
Brahim Diaz goal vs. Atletico Madrid (55th min, Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid)
Diaz has put Real Madrid back in front! This game is producing some incredible goals!
A nice interchange between Ferland Mendy, Vinicius Junior and Diaz eventually leaves the attacking midfielder in a nice position inside the Atletico Madrid area.
Diaz skilfully shimmies and skips past Jose Gimenez and quickly whips a right-footed strike through the crowd of defenders and into the bottom right corner, another fantastic goal on the night.
MAN OF THE MATCH - BRAHIM DIAZ
There was no shortage of quality from both teams tonight, including three breathtaking goals, but Diaz stood out not only for his moment of individual brilliance but also for his relentless energy and desire.
Diaz's goal was nothing short of phenomenal, skilfully shimmying past Gimenez and finding the bottom right corner to restore Real Madrid's advantage, capping off a superb all-round performance.
The attacking midfielder also registered one key pass, won six duels, made four interceptions and completed three tackles to help ensure Los Blancos are in the driving seat going into the second leg.
REAL MADRID VS. ATLETICO MADRID MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 51%-49% Atletico Madrid
Shots: Real Madrid 13-6 Atletico Madrid
Shots on target: Real Madrid 7-2 Atletico Madrid
Corners: Real Madrid 6-3 Atletico Madrid
Fouls: Real Madrid 10-13 Atletico Madrid
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will briefly return to La Liga action as they take on Rayo Vallecano at home on Sunday, followed by the all-important second leg clash on Wednesday night.
As for Atletico Madrid, they will travel to face Getafe in La Liga before welcoming Los Blancos to the Wanda Metropolitano for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 matchup.
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