Derby Disaster! Real Madrid Humiliated by Atletico in 5-2 Thrashing

Atletico Madrid 5–2 Real Madrid: A Historic Collapse at the Metropolitano

Real Madrid had been flawless in their opening six La Liga games, but the seventh round delivered a nightmare in the capital derby. Atletico, struggling at ninth place after a poor start to the season, produced a sensational performance, handing their rivals a humiliating defeat. For the first time in 75 years, Los Blancos conceded five goals to their city rivals — a derby for the ages.

Early Pressure from Atletico

Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup featured Jude Bellingham from the first minute for the first time since the Club World Cup, with Arda Güler pushed to the right flank. That shift suited Atletico perfectly. They came out with intensity, forcing an early corner through Julián Álvarez, while Alexander Sørloth’s header almost beat Thibaut Courtois. On 14 minutes, the breakthrough arrived: Julián delivered another cross and Robin Le Normand smashed in a powerful header.

Atletico dominated completely: 4-0 on shots and 3-0 on corners within 23 minutes. Real looked lost, barely escaping one-on-one situations thanks to Courtois’ interventions. Yet class is never far away with this squad. Kylian Mbappé combined with Güler, raced through the defense, and coolly slotted past Jan Oblak for the equalizer.

Real’s Brief Response

Momentum seemed to swing when Vinícius Júnior dazzled with quick feet, set up Güler, and the youngster scored to make it 2-1 for Real. In a matter of minutes, Los Blancos had turned the match on its head.

But Atletico refused to fold. Álvarez thundered a shot off the post, and Clément Lenglet thought he had scored with a “Hand of God”-style effort, disallowed by VAR. Then came the equalizer before halftime: Koke launched a long throw, Sørloth outjumped the defense, and made it 2-2 in stoppage time.

Second-Half Collapse

Real’s troubles deepened when Éder Militão was substituted at the break due to injury. Atletico smelled blood. Álvarez forced a penalty after Güler’s high boot struck him in the face — and converted with confidence.

Minutes later, Álvarez delivered again, this time with a sublime free-kick over the wall into Courtois’ near post. The Metropolitano erupted. At 4-2, Alonso’s substitutions — Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and later Rodrygo — had no effect. Real’s defensive structure fell apart, and Atletico punished them again late on.

Baena selflessly squared for Antoine Griezmann, who buried the fifth goal to complete a stunning rout. Final score: Atletico 5, Real Madrid 2.

A Night for the History Books

Not since 1950 had Real Madrid conceded five goals to Atletico. This emphatic win not only ended Real’s perfect league run but also breathed life back into Simeone’s project after a rocky start to the season.

The red-and-white half of Madrid will remember this derby forever — and for Real, it’s a painful reminder that dominance in La Liga can crumble in a single night.

Published by Patrick Jane
27.09.2025