Atletico Madrid 5-2 Real Madrid: Alvarez Leads Stunning Derby Comeback

By Kamal Yalwa | 27 September 2025

Julian Alvarez delivered a man-of-the-match performance as Atletico Madrid crushed city rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a thrilling La Liga derby at the Metropolitano.

Real Madrid entered Matchday 7 unbeaten but saw their perfect start come crashing down despite taking the lead twice in the first half.

Robin Le Normand opened the scoring for Atleti in the 14th minute, heading in from a corner. Kylian Mbappé equalized for Real in the 25th minute with a clinical finish. Arda Güler then put the visitors ahead with a superb long-range strike in the 36th minute.

Just before halftime, Alexander Sørloth leveled the match with a powerful header in stoppage time. After the break, Julian Alvarez took control. He converted a penalty in the 51st minute following a VAR-reviewed handball and scored again in the 64th minute after a quick counter-attack.

Antoine Griezmann sealed the win in stoppage time with a spectacular finish, igniting celebrations in the stands.

Julian Alvarez’s relentless performance earned him the Metropolitano Derby MVP, reaffirming his status as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league this season.

The win lifts Atletico Madrid to fourth in the La Liga table, narrowing the gap to league leaders Real Madrid to six points. Real’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially in aerial duels, were once again exposed — a concern for manager Carlo Ancelotti as the season progresses.

Speaking after the match, Atletico boss Diego Simeone praised his team: “This is the Atlético we know — fight, grit, and goals. Alvarez was phenomenal.”

Carlo Ancelotti admitted disappointment: “We lost our shape. Two leads thrown away isn’t acceptable at this level.”

Atletico’s emphatic derby victory sends a strong signal in the title race, while Real Madrid will need to regroup quickly ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.