UCL: African star hands Real Madrid first leg advantage over Atletico

Los Blancos came out on top in this stiffly contested Madrid derby, with a well-taken goal from Brahim Diaz handing them a first-leg advantage in the tie.

The host took an early lead via Rodrygo to send the Santiago Bernabeu crowd wild, but Julian Alvarez ensured parity was restored before halftime with a stunning strike.

Both sides had chances to win it in the second 45, but only Diaz managed to get the ball across the paint, handing his side the advantage going into the second-leg at Wanda Metropolitano.

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Real Madrid had a fast-paced start, as Rodrygo struck a sublime opener just four minutes in. Collecting a well-weighted pass from Federico Valverde that found him behind the Atleti backline, the Brazilian embarked on a mazy run into the box and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed drive past Jan Oblak.

Atletico soon settled into the game, taking initiative and dominating possession, leaving Real Madrid to settle for counter-attacks. The visitor’s dominance was soon rewarded when Alvarez conjured an exceptional equaliser, outmuscling Eduardo Camavinga before unleashing a thunderous right-footed strike that clipped in off the post, leaving Thibaut Courtois helpless.

The second half saw Atletico continue to keep the ball better but Real Madrid maintained their danger in transitions and eventually reaped rewards for their superior offensive talents.

Brahim Diaz was released into space by Ferland Mendy, and the Moroccan attacking midfielder left Gimenez on the floor, creating space to release a low, precise shot into the far corner to restore Real Madrid's lead. 

Unlike the first half, in which they dropped off after scoring, Carlo Ancelotti’s side stayed on the front foot. They had multiple chances to improve their advantage with Marcus Llorente preventing a Vinicius tap in, and Luka Modric failing to properly connect with a Vinicius cut back. 

However, Real will be happy with the first leg advantage against a side they have failed to beat in their last four encounters. Atletico, on the other hand, will hope to overturn the tie at home next week.