Real Madrid overcame a late scare to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and retain their perfect record to start the new season with a ninth victory across all competitions.
First-half goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo gave their teams a commanding lead. Mario Hermoso, an Atletico substitute who was ultimately dismissed in extra time, scored a goal to suggest a comeback, but it was too little, too late.
Prior to scoring the opening goal, Rodrygo assisted in setting it up by cutting in from the left, finding Aurelien Tchouameni, and then advancing into the box. When the ball came back to him, the young Brazilian was able to surpass Jan Oblak with an impressive first-time finish.
Antoine Griezmann drove forward and tested Thibaut Courtois’ reach with a good effort midway through the first half, giving Atletico their first real sight of goal despite a strong start.
Top scorers Alvaro Morato and Saul Niguez were two of the players Diego Simeone brought on in an effort to get back into the game. But in the end, a defender made a difference because Courtois flubbed at a corner, allowing the ball to strike Mario Hermoso in the shoulder and accidentally bounce into the goal.
