League leaders come out on top in the derby at the Metropolitano

Real Madrid recorded their ninth win in as many games thanks to first-half goals from Rodrygo and Valverde.

Real Madrid continue to keep up the pace and head into the international break as LaLiga leaders. The first derby of the season saw our team come out on top at the Cívitas Metropolitano, building on their spectacular start to the season, having won all nine games played so far (six in LaLiga, two in the Champions League and the European Super Cup). The win this evening was set up thanks to a great first half, in which Rodrygo and Valverde were on the scoresheet. Ancelotti's side were solid in the second half, but Hermoso reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute.

Atlético made a decent start and threatened early on from a set-piece with 6 minutes on the clock. De Paul whipped in the free-kick and Felipe headed over. Madrid responded 13 minutes later in resounding fashion. Tchouameni played a perfectly weighted pass in behind the home defence and Rodrygo arrived to open the scoring from close range. The hosts went in search of an equaliser with Griezmann's long-range effort after 25 minutes, but Courtois pulled off a fine save to keep out the shot.

As the half progressed Ancelotti‘s side began to control the play and they got their reward in the 36th minute. Modrić linked up with Vini Jr. and the Brazilian found his himself one-on-one in the area with Oblak. The forward’s shot was pushed onto the post by the keeper, but the rebound fell to Valverde who turned the ball in. The home side then applied the pressure as they looked to get back into the game and on 40’ Courtois was on hand to deny Carrasco.

Real Madrid dominated the proceedings after the restart, but the hosts managed to pull one back as fortune favoured Atletico. A 83th minute corner kick struck Hermos on the shoulder and found its way into the net. The Atletico defender was then sent off after collecting a second yellow card on 90’. The Whites held on to secure the spoils in the Madrid derby and maintain their 100% winning streak in the competition.