Morata brace helps Atletico Madrid edge Real Madrid in La Liga

• Atletico Madrid hosted their neighbor rivals Real Madrid in a La Liga clash on Sunday
• Both teams were in great form coming to the match, promising a thrilling tie
• Three-headed goals, two from Alvaro Morata, sealed the victory for Atletico Madrid at home

A thrilling Madrid derby unfolded at the Metropolitano Stadium as Atletico Madrid secured a resounding 3-1 victory over their arch-rivals, Real Madrid in a La Liga clash. Alvaro Morata played a pivotal role in this victory, netting twice, while Antoine Griezmann also contributed with a crucial header.

The match saw Atletico Madrid seize control early on, securing a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. Alvaro Morata, the former Real Madrid striker, opened the scoring just four minutes into the game. Morata expertly positioned himself behind Real’s defense, capitalizing on a precise cross from Brazilian winger Samuel Lino to nod the ball into the net.

Atletico’s second goal came courtesy of Antoine Griezmann, who connected with a pinpoint cross from Saul Niguez. Griezmann’s header eluded Kepa Arrizabalaga, Real Madrid’s on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper, doubling Atletico’s advantage. This early dominance displayed Atletico’s intent to disrupt Real’s momentum.

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring their second against Real Madrid in a thrilling Madrid derby in the La Liga on Sunday, September 24, 2023. | PHOTO: Goal |

Despite Atletico’s early surge, Real Madrid showed signs of life before the halftime whistle. Toni Kroos, with a moment of individual brilliance, danced past Marcos Llorente and unleashed a low shot that found the bottom corner of the net. This goal rekindled Real Madrid’s hopes of mounting a comeback.

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However, Real’s joy was short-lived as a disallowed goal marred their first-half resurgence. Just before halftime, Eduardo Camavinga seemingly equalized for Real, but the goal was disallowed due to Antonio Rudiger being in an offside position, thus interfering with play.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, opted for a change in strategy during the second half, introducing Joselu in place of Luka Modric. Nonetheless, Atletico Madrid continued to dictate the narrative, and Morata wasted no time in restoring their two-goal cushion. Morata completed his brace, heading home another pinpoint cross from Saul Niguez, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga with no chance.

With a 3-1 lead, Atletico Madrid maintained their control over the match. Mario Hermoso came close to adding a fourth goal but struck the crossbar with a header. Ancelotti, seeking to reverse his team’s fortunes, made a triple substitution, bringing on Ferland Mendy, Nacho, and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Real Madrid, desperate to find a breakthrough, intensified their efforts in the latter stages of the match. Rodrygo and Tchouameni both had their attempts blocked, and the latter sent a fizzing shot narrowly wide. Rudiger and Federico Valverde also came close to reducing the deficit, but their shots missed the target.

Ultimately, it was a night to forget for Real Madrid, as frustration boiled over in the final moments, with Jude Bellingham receiving a booking for a rash challenge during stoppage time.

This victory propelled Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid to fifth place in the La Liga standings, trailing third-placed Real Madrid by five points, with a game in hand. The win marked a significant moment in the Madrid derby’s history, as Atletico managed to halt Real’s impressive six-game winning streak at the start of the season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next encounter.