The derby between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Metropolitano delivered a thrilling opening half, filled with goals, controversy, and a tempo worthy of the rivalry. Diego Simeone’s side dominated much of the early stages, but Los Blancos, led by Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler, showed lethal efficiency to turn the game around before halftime. Finally, a header from Alexander Sorloth made it 2-2 at the break in a pulsating clash that kept fans on edge.

Atlético strike first, but Madrid respond

The opening belonged entirely to the Rojiblancos. Atlético de Madrid came out with intensity, pressing high and creating danger in Thibaut Courtois’ area. Sorloth had two clear chances, but poor finishing kept him off the scoresheet. However, in the 14th minute, a corner kick found the head of Robin Le Normand, who beat the Madrid defense to open the scoring and ignite the Metropolitano.

Real Madrid, up to that point overwhelmed, woke up through their superstar. In the 25th minute, Mbappé combined brilliantly with Güler, who played a return pass that the Frenchman finished with a clinical strike across goal, leaving Jan Oblak with no chance. The equalizer stunned the home crowd.

Just ten minutes later, Xabi Alonso’s men turned the score around. A poor defensive clearance from Le Normand was seized upon by Vinícius Jr., who set up Güler for a classy finish in the 36th minute to make it 1-2.

Sorloth rescues Atlético before the break

The match seemed to be tilting toward the visitors, but Atlético de Madrid refused to fold. Just before halftime, referee Alberola Rojas disallowed a goal from Lenglet for handball after a corner, sparking protests from the stands. Still, Simeone’s men found their reward in the last play of the half: a pinpoint cross into the box met by Sorloth, who redeemed his earlier misses with a superb header to seal the 2-2.

The end of the first half perfectly reflected what a Madrid Derby is all about: intensity, shifting emotions, and palpable tension in every action. Atlético showed character to level after being pegged back, while Real Madrid displayed individual brilliance to punish defensive lapses.

A second half of high demands

With the score locked at 2-2, the second half shaped up as a test of resilience and quality. Atlético de Madrid looked to maintain their pressing game, while Real Madrid, true to their style, sought to impose their firepower and speed in transitions. Everything was still up for grabs in a derby that had already delivered a memorable first half and promised drama until the final whistle.