Madrid derby; Rodrygo, Valverde score as Real defeat city rivals

• The first Madrid Derby of the 2022/23 season was played on Sunday evening at Metropolitano Stadium.  
• Rodrygo and Fede Valverde’s goals in the first half helped Real Madrid win the match 2-1. Mario Hermoso scored Atletico Madrid’s goal in the second half. 

Madrid derby played on Sunday night at Metropolitano Stadium ended in victory for La Liga defending champions Real Madrid.

Pre-match discussions focused on Vinicius Jr, who has been a victim of racial abuse in the past few days. Before the match, Atletico Madrid fans made racial chants toward the Brazilian youngster.

However, the racial abuses could not stop Vinicius Jr from running down the wing and creating chances for his teammates as he always does. 

Antoine Griezmann made his first start of the season in the Madrid derby. However, his performance was not impressive. 

The home team started strongly and nearly took an early lead through Felipe, who met Rodrigo de Paul’s freekick in the box. Felipe’s header was slightly over the goalpost. 

Brazilian talent Rodrygo opened the scoring for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the 18th minute. It was Real Madrid’s first chance of the game. 

Rodrygo’s goal in the Madrid derby was a work of art as the Brazilian finished Aurelien Tchouameni’s killer pass with a half-volley.

Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Photo/ Goal.com.

Fede Valverde doubled the lead for the visitors in the 36th minute. The Uruguayan talent managed to score from a rebound despite being on a tight angle. 

Vinicius Jr played a significant role in Valverde’s goal as he made a surging run into the box. Valverde has now scored in three consecutive matches for Real Madrid. 

Real Madrid went into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Despite the intense pressure from Atletico Madrid in the second half, the Los Blancos emerged as winners after the full-time whistle. 

Atletico Madrid pulled one goal back in the 83rd minute through Mario Hermoso after Thibaut Courtois made a mistake.

However, Diego Simeone’s men failed to add another goal as the match ended in a 2-1 loss in front of their home supporters. 

Atletico Madrid’s goalscorer Mario Hermoso had to leave the pitch in added time after receiving a second yellow from the match’s referee.

Hermoso was too physical during a corner kick in the dying minutes of the game. However, Ceballos exaggerated the contact, making it look like he was seriously injured. 

Real Madrid’s talisman Karim Benzema missed last night’s fixture due to a knee injury he suffered against Celtic at the start of this month. 

Carlo Ancelotti has tasked Rodrygo with leading Real Madrid’s attack, and the Brazilian has responded well in his role.

Real Madrid are now on top of the La Liga table with 18 points. The Spanish giants have not lost any match since the start of the 2022-23 La Liga season.

Real Madrid won the Madrid derby. Photo/ Outlook India.

Apart from Atletico Madrid, Los Blancos have also recorded victories over Mallorca, Betis, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Almeria this season. 

Atletico Madrid are seventh on the La Liga table with ten points. Diego Simeone’s side have won three matches, drew one and lost two.