Real Madrid’s unbeaten start to the season came crashing down on Saturday after a stunning 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Championship derby.
Goals from Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sørloth, Julián Álvarez (2), and Antoine Griezmann sealed the emphatic win for Diego Simeone’s side at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Madrid’s consolation goals came from Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler.
Alonso accepts blame
Head coach Xabi Alonso admitted his team fell short in quality and intensity.
“It was a bad game. We didn’t start well, we didn’t play well collectively or in terms of quality, with or without the ball. We are in a building phase, today is our first defeat,” Alonso said.
He added: “We didn’t compete enough, not at the level required for these matches. We must take this setback positively.”
Tightening at the top
Despite the defeat, Madrid remain top with 18 points, though Barcelona (16 pts) could overtake them if they beat Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Atlético’s victory moved them up to fourth place with 12 points, marking a strong response after an inconsistent start to the season.
Simeone praises execution
Atlético boss Diego Simeone praised his players’ approach.
“We played a great match from the start. We knew where we could hurt them. The players understood this very well.”
Star forward Julián Álvarez, fresh from a hat-trick in midweek, struck twice again in the derby.
“A very special day. We knew the importance of this match, being a classic and taking points from one of the teams in the lead,” Álvarez said.
