Atlético Madrid leads 2-0 over Real Madrid in derby after Jonathan David’s goal

Atlético Madrid leads 2-0 over Real Madrid in derby after Jonathan David’s goal

A red card for Dean Huijsen and goals from Grimaldo and David gave Atlético a commanding derby victory at the Metropolitano

Jonathan David continued his perfect scoring record at Atlético Madrid, netting around the 60th minute to double his side’s lead in a Madrid derby that turned ugly for Real Madrid after a red card left them fighting with ten men.

The 2-0 scoreline at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on La Liga matchday 7 reflects a match that swung decisively in the second half, with Atlético capitalizing on Real Madrid’s self-inflicted wound to claim local bragging rights.

How the derby unraveled for Real Madrid

In the 53rd minute, Dean Huijsen committed a foul serious enough to earn a straight red card, handing Atlético a penalty and a numerical advantage for the remaining 37 minutes plus stoppage time. Alejandro Grimaldo stepped up and converted the spot kick, giving the home crowd exactly the jolt of electricity a derby demands.

Advertisement

It took barely seven minutes for Atlético to twist the knife. David, who has made an almost absurdly efficient start to life in red and white, found the net to make it 2-0.

David’s remarkable start to his Atlético career

Jonathan David arrived at Atlético Madrid on a season-long loan from Juventus, with the deal announced on September 1, 2026. The arrangement includes a purchase option reportedly worth €25 million, roughly $27 million at current exchange rates.

Three La Liga appearances. Three goals. The 26-year-old Canadian international had built his reputation as a prolific scorer during his time at Lille before moving to Juventus.

The VAR controversy and Romero’s escape

Atlético defender Cuti Romero was involved in a studs-up challenge that prompted a VAR review. After review, Romero received only a yellow card. Had the decision gone differently, Atlético would have been reduced to ten men themselves, potentially leveling the playing field after Huijsen’s dismissal.

What this means for both clubs

Seven matchdays into the La Liga season, this result carries weight beyond the three points. David’s loan is already paying dividends with three goals in three appearances. Grimaldo’s penalty composure showed big-game nerve, and Atlético’s superior possession and energy after the red card reflected a team that seized control rather than sitting back to protect a lead.

Real Madrid’s concerns run deeper. Huijsen’s red card means a suspension that will test their defensive depth in upcoming fixtures.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Atlético Madrid leads 2-0 over Real Madrid in derby after Jonathan David’s goal
Atlético Madrid leads 2-0 over Real Madrid in derby after Jonathan David’s goal

A red card for Dean Huijsen and goals from Grimaldo and David gave Atlético a commanding derby victory at the Metropolitano

Jonathan David continued his perfect scoring record at Atlético Madrid, netting around the 60th minute to double his side’s lead in a Madrid derby that turned ugly for Real Madrid after a red card left them fighting with ten men.

The 2-0 scoreline at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on La Liga matchday 7 reflects a match that swung decisively in the second half, with Atlético capitalizing on Real Madrid’s self-inflicted wound to claim local bragging rights.

How the derby unraveled for Real Madrid

In the 53rd minute, Dean Huijsen committed a foul serious enough to earn a straight red card, handing Atlético a penalty and a numerical advantage for the remaining 37 minutes plus stoppage time. Alejandro Grimaldo stepped up and converted the spot kick, giving the home crowd exactly the jolt of electricity a derby demands.

Advertisement

It took barely seven minutes for Atlético to twist the knife. David, who has made an almost absurdly efficient start to life in red and white, found the net to make it 2-0.

David’s remarkable start to his Atlético career

Jonathan David arrived at Atlético Madrid on a season-long loan from Juventus, with the deal announced on September 1, 2026. The arrangement includes a purchase option reportedly worth €25 million, roughly $27 million at current exchange rates.

Three La Liga appearances. Three goals. The 26-year-old Canadian international had built his reputation as a prolific scorer during his time at Lille before moving to Juventus.

The VAR controversy and Romero’s escape

Atlético defender Cuti Romero was involved in a studs-up challenge that prompted a VAR review. After review, Romero received only a yellow card. Had the decision gone differently, Atlético would have been reduced to ten men themselves, potentially leveling the playing field after Huijsen’s dismissal.

What this means for both clubs

Seven matchdays into the La Liga season, this result carries weight beyond the three points. David’s loan is already paying dividends with three goals in three appearances. Grimaldo’s penalty composure showed big-game nerve, and Atlético’s superior possession and energy after the red card reflected a team that seized control rather than sitting back to protect a lead.

Real Madrid’s concerns run deeper. Huijsen’s red card means a suspension that will test their defensive depth in upcoming fixtures.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.