Real Madrid have fallen six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The result was Real Madrid’s second defeat of the league campaign and moved Atletico into second place with 16 points from seven matches. Real Madrid remain third on 15 points, while Barcelona sit top with a perfect 21 points after seven consecutive victories.
Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men early in the second half after defender Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card for bringing down Atletico forward Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty in the 53rd minute before Jonathan David doubled Atletico’s advantage six minutes later. Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid in the 89th minute, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.
The defeat came a day after Barcelona extended their perfect start by beating Sevilla 3-1. Raphinha scored a hat-trick to take his league tally to 12 goals and secure Barcelona’s seventh straight LaLiga victory.
The latest standings leave Barcelona on 21 points, followed by Atletico Madrid on 16, while Real Madrid and Real Betis have 15 points each. Atletico’s victory therefore lifted them above Real Madrid and increased the gap between Barcelona and the reigning European contenders.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was also critical of the officiating after the derby, arguing that Atletico players should have received red cards for challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. Atletico coach Diego Simeone called for restraint in the aftermath of the match.
The result is significant at this early stage of the LaLiga season because Barcelona have maintained a 100 per cent league record, while Real Madrid have already dropped six points. However, with the campaign still in its early stages, there are many matches remaining.
Real Madrid will now look to recover from the derby setback when LaLiga action resumes, while Barcelona will aim to maintain their unbeaten start at the top of the table.
