Real Madrid edge Atletico in Champions League thriller

Real Madrid secured a slender advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie as Brahim Diaz produced a moment of brilliance to seal a 2-1 first-leg victory over city rivals Atletico at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Rodrygo set the tone early, putting Madrid ahead inside four minutes with a dazzling solo effort. The Brazilian raced past Javi Galán, cut inside the box, and curled a stunning shot past Jan Oblak to give Los Blancos an early lead.

Atletico responded with a spectacular equaliser in the 32nd minute, courtesy of the in-form Julián Álvarez. The Argentine striker wrongfooted Eduardo Camavinga before bending a superb strike past Thibaut Courtois, scoring his seventh goal in nine Champions League appearances this season.

However, it was Brahim Diaz who delivered the decisive moment in this fiery Madrid derby. The former Manchester City midfielder danced past José Giménez, sending the defender to the ground before rifling a low shot into the far corner in the 55th minute, securing a crucial first-leg lead.

With Jude Bellingham suspended, Diaz stepped up for the reigning European champions, ensuring Madrid take the advantage into the second leg. Bellingham will return for the decisive match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 12, where the winners are likely to face Arsenal, following the Gunners’ emphatic 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven.

Atletico midfielder Conor Gallagher remained optimistic, telling TNT Sports:

“Real Madrid are a top team, but we competed well. It’s all to play for in the next leg, and with our fans behind us, we feel we can beat anyone.”