Real Madrid claimed a slender 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.
Rodrygo made the Bernabéu go crazy just four minutes into the match with a stunning strike from outside the box.
Atlético Madrid responded through an in-form Julián Álvarez, who fired in from the left side of the box to beat Thibaut Courtois. The goal marked his 22nd in all competitions for Atlético and his seventh in the Champions League this season.
Ten minutes after the restart, Brahim Díaz restored Real Madrid’s lead with what proved to be the match-winner.
Speaking after the game, Carlo Ancelotti admitted: “This was a difficult game; next Wednesday will be even more difficult.”
Rodrygo also shared his thoughts: “Atlético are tough to play against. They surprised us today by keeping the ball more than they usually do. It was a tough game.”
Real Madrid were without key midfielder Jude Bellingham, who missed the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. However, he is expected to return for the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
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