Real Madrid took a narrow advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie against city rivals Atletico Madrid, with Brahim Diaz scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 first-leg victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rodrygo opened the scoring inside four minutes, sprinting past Javi Galan before cutting inside and curling a precise strike beyond Jan Oblak.
With his goal today, Rodrygo has entered the list of top-5 youngest players in UEFA Champions League history to score 25+ goals.
Atletico responded in the 32nd minute through Julian Alvarez, who wrongfooted Eduardo Camavinga before curling a stunning effort past Thibaut Courtois and in off the post.
With the game finely poised, Diaz produced a moment of brilliance in the 55th minute, beating Jose Gimenez with a deft move before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.
The 25-year-old stepped up in the absence of Jude Bellingham, who was suspended after picking up his third yellow card of the competition.
Bellingham will return for the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on 12 March, with the winners likely to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals after their dominant 7-1 victory over PSV.
Moments of brilliance define Madrid Derby
The match was shaped by three moments of individual brilliance. Rodrygo’s early strike showcased his pace and composure, with Carlo Ancelotti later emphasising the Brazilian’s value to the team. “Rodrygo has helped us win the Champions League in the last three years,” Ancelotti said.
Rodrygo was also named the player of the match.
Alvarez’s equaliser was another standout moment. The Argentine forward, who joined Atletico from Manchester City for £81m, has been in prolific form, scoring seven goals in nine Champions League appearances this season.
Conor Gallagher praised his teammate’s impact. “It was an unreal goal,” he said. “He’s playing with so much confidence.”
Diaz then sealed the victory with a clinical finish, linking up with Vinicius Jr before weaving through Atletico’s defence. The Spaniard’s celebration, leaping into the crowd, resulted in the only yellow card of the game.
Real Madrid had a late chance to extend their lead, but Kylian Mbappe’s misplaced pass denied Vinicius a clear scoring opportunity.
With Real Madrid having won all five of their previous Champions League knockout ties against Atletico, Diego Simeone’s side face a tough task in the second leg as they seek to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.
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