Alvaro Morata scored twice as Real Madrid lost 1-3 to Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid received its first defeat in the 2023-2024 season. Photo: Real Madrid

The latest match of round 6 of La Liga (early morning of September 25 – Vietnam time), is also the most notable match, when Atletico Madrid takes on Real Madrid. This is also Real Madrid’s first big challenge this season.

Atletico was underestimated because of its unstable performance in the early stages, but with Koke’s return from injury, coach Diego Simeone returned to his strong defensive and counter-attacking philosophy.

But this season, instead of the traditional 4-4-2, he chose 3-5-2, with Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata playing highest.

On the other side, coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes for the return of Vinicius Junior , but the Brazilian international is not in the best shape because of a stomach ache. Given the nature of the derby, the Italian strategist chose experienced players – Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both started, with a bit of surprise when he pushed Jude Bellingham to play as a striker with Rodrygo in formation 4. -3-1-2.

Alvaro Morata scored twice against his former team. Photo: Atletico Madrid

New ideas on the offensive front, but Ancelotti does not ensure the defense has the best quality. Fran Garcia has the ability to support the attack but is not highly appreciated for her experience.

2 quick goals in minutes 4 and 18 – Morata and Griezmann both scored with headers, partly Garcia’s fault, as he had a good view but did not warn his teammates about his move. of the opponent.

Real Madrid depends on the organizational ability of Kroos and Modric, as well as the youth of Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde in the midfield, but they rarely create opportunities.

All 3 of Atletico Madrid’s goals were headers. Photo: Atletico Madrid

On the contrary, determination was an important factor that helped the home team keep the match, advance the ball effectively and the score could have been 3 goals apart if Kepa Arizabalaga had not made an excellent save in the 30th minute.

Kroos’ shining moment with a decisive finish in the 35th minute restored hope for the Royal team. In the 44th minute, Camavinga put the ball into the net but the goal was not recognized because of Antonio Rudiger’s offside error.

Concentration at the beginning of each half was still a problem for Real Madrid, when in the first minute after the break, Morata once again headed in a cross from Saul Niguez, increasing the score to 3-1 for Atletico.

Jude Bellingham (right) could not shine as usual to save Real Madrid. Photo: Real Madrid CF

Reestablishing a fairly safe distance, the home team completely prioritized defense, so even if the hated neighbor attacked diligently until the end of the match, the score still could not change.

Empty in the first challenge of the season, Real Madrid also lost the top position in the table to Barcelona. They were even pushed to 3rd place, because another Catalan representative, Girona, also had 16 points like Barcelona. Atletico (10 points) rose to 5th place after 6 rounds.

Atletico is away at Osasuna Stadium in round 7 in the middle of this week, while Real Madrid returns home to face Las Palmas.

Atletico Madrid Coach Simeone Celebrates Victory Against Real Madrid:  Bellingham should’ve seen red 

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says victory over Real Madrid was deserved.Atletico were impressive as they defeated Real 3-1 on Sunday.

Simeone said: “Good, happy. The team played a good game. With 2-0 we went back too much, we gave them many opportunities to play where they are best.

They had many chances, although they were missing Joselu. They created that difficulty for us with the 2-1. We talked at half-time that if we continued like this, we had a good chance of losing. We had to play, look for the far post because they have difficulty closing and that’s how Morata made it 3-1.We tell them the same thing as always, but some days they are better. Today they were very good. There was a very strong communion, a stadium that accompanied and was felt.

Throughout my time we have had great footballers who have represented these types of situations with actions. Griezmann has no difficulty in going back, in suffering, in playing the game he plays. That is why he is one of the most important players on the team, also for Lino, Riquelme, the young people That we can copy the good things.”

Asked if Jude Bellingham was man-marked, Simone replied: No, the spaces were reduced and I think that the absence of Joselu left him fewer possibilities of reaching, when he took advantage of Joselu’s aerial game.

“We controlled him better, he is extraordinary. Madrid shows on the field that something can always happen. Luckily the 3-1 took away that space where they are better, with 2-1 and stage fright. For us this victory is very important.”Asked about Bellingham’s foul on Angel Correa, he added: It seemed like a live expulsion to me, it was hard up the leg, with Angelito hitting the ball.”