Atlético have to cut out mistakes that contributed to Real Madrid loss

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid disappointed during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 22, 2026 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid played out another fiery city derby on Sunday at the Bernabéu, where 77,964 fans watched a five-goal thriller that had just about everything: penalties called and not called, a second-half red card and a rally from Real Madrid, as Los Blancos came out on top by a 3-2 scoreline. Ademola Lookman had kicked off the scoring with a fine close-range finish from Giuliano Simeone’s back-heeled flick. Vinícius Júnior (from the penalty spot) and Federico Valverde (from a costly defensive error) brought Real Madrid into the lead within 10 minutes after the second half began, but Nahuel Molina scored a piledriver to equalize roughly 25 minutes from time.

Nevertheless, Vinícius scored a blistering goal to complete his brace, and the hosts withstood a Valverde red card to keep the pressure on Barcelona atop LaLiga. For Atlético, the result keeps the Rojiblancos fourth, one point behind Villarreal with nine rounds to go. After a back-and-forth derby, here are Into the Calderón’s three takeaways.

Costly fouls and mistakes Even though Real Madrid were able to produce a few dangerous moments in the opening half, most notably a Valverde shot that cannoned off the base of the post, Atlético looked able to weather whatever storm was thrown at them. Key moments from players such as Giuliano, Lookman and Marcos Llorente sparked transition chances and ultimately led to the Colchoneros going up by a goal. But in the second half, individual fouls and mistakes came to define the game.

Dávid Hancko’s misplaced foot gave Brahim Díaz just enough license to take a tumble in the box, and José Luis Munuera called a penalty. For Valverde’s goal, Matteo Ruggeri’s poor back pass to Josema Giménez — and the Uruguayan’s subsequent giveaway — resulted in an easy go-ahead strike. Atleti’s chance to win the derby disappeared in about three minutes.