MADRID, Sept 28 (AFP): Julian Alvarez struck twice to earn Atletico Madrid an emphatic 5-2 derby victory over La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Saturday, ending their rivals' perfect start to the season.
Xabi Alonso's side had won all six of their games but Diego Simeone's Atletico overran them at the Metropolitano stadium.
The hosts came flying out of the blocks and took the lead through Robin Le Normand.
Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler netted to put Real Madrid in front but Alexander Sorloth levelled for Atletico at the end of a thrilling first half.
Alvarez fired in from the penalty spot and then bent home a free-kick as he made the difference after the break.
Antoine Griezmann grabbed the fifth late on to seal an important win after a shaky start to the campaign.
Atletico rose provisionally to fourth, while Real Madrid can be usurped at the top of the table by champions Barcelona if they beat Real Sociedad on Sunday.
"There are no excuses, we're hurting, it's a derby and a deserved defeat," said Alonso, after his side conceded five goals against their rivals for the first time since 1950.
Atletico's joy was evident, with Simeone visibly emotional on the sideline as his team racked up the scoreline.
"There's a lot of emotions... we've had a troubled start to the season," said Simeone.
"From the start of the game we knew where we could hurt them... today was a very, very good (performance)."
Atletico thrash Liga leaders Real Madrid in gripping derby
FE Team | Published: September 28, 2025 22:10:00
Atletico thrash Liga leaders Real Madrid in gripping derby
Share if you like