Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Rodrygo Goes opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the 4th minute, weaving through Atletico’s defense before curling a brilliant strike past Jan Oblak.
Atletico found their equalizer through Julián Álvarez, who cut inside and fired a precise shot off the post.
Despite Atletico’s early pressure in the second half, Brahim Díaz restored Real Madrid’s lead. The Spaniard outmuscled José María Giménez before slotting a low drive into the far corner.
Diego Simeone introduced Alexander Sørloth and Ángel Correa in search of another equalizer, but Real Madrid’s defense held firm.
With a one-goal cushion, Carlo Ancelotti’s side heads into the second leg needing only a draw to advance. However, Atletico will be confident of staging a comeback at home.
