Julian Alvarez struck twice as Atletico Madrid dismantled La Liga leaders Real Madrid 5-2 at the Metropolitano, ending their rivals’ perfect start to the season.
Xabi Alonso’s side had won all six of their opening matches, but they were overrun by Diego Simeone’s men, who rose provisionally to fourth with this emphatic derby triumph.
Atletico made the breakthrough after 14 minutes when Giuliano Simeone’s cross was met by Robin Le Normand, who headed past Thibaut Courtois. Real responded quickly, Kylian Mbappé levelling with a clinical finish before Arda Güler struck from Vinícius Júnior’s brilliant turn and cutback to put the visitors ahead.
The hosts thought they had equalised when Clément Lenglet bundled the ball into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball. Yet Atletico continued to press and found their reward just before half-time, Alexander Sørloth heading home to send the sides in level at the break.
The turning point came early in the second half when Güler conceded a penalty for a high boot on Nico González. Alvarez, denied from the spot in the Champions League the last time these sides met, made no mistake this time.
The Argentine then struck again with a curling free-kick that Courtois could only palm into the net, putting Atletico firmly in command.
Real had their moments, with Courtois denying Sørloth and Mbappé adding his eighth league goal of the campaign, but Atletico’s intensity proved decisive. Substitute Antoine Griezmann capped the night, rolling home a fifth to spark wild celebrations in the stands.
