17 shots lift Atletico Madrid to a 2-1 win over Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, September 20. Real Madrid remain second on 15 points, but Atletico Madrid moved to 13 points in fourth, keeping the gap between the two clubs at two points.

How it happened

The first half ended 0-0 before Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring for Atletico Madrid from a penalty in the 53rd minute. Jonathan David doubled the lead six minutes later, with Giuliano Simeone Baldini providing the assist. Antonio Rüdiger pulled one back for Real Madrid in the 89th minute, assisted by Bernardo Silva, but Atletico held on. Real Madrid also finished with one red card.

The numbers

Atletico Madrid controlled 61% of possession and completed 554 accurate passes, compared with 39% and 338 for Real Madrid. Their 12 shots inside the box were four times Real Madrid’s total of three. Atletico also recorded 17 total shots to Real Madrid’s eight, while Real goalkeeper saves numbered five against two for the home side.

Who decided it

Jonathan David shaped the result with Atletico Madrid’s second goal and earned the match’s highest rating, 7.8, in 62 minutes. He registered one shot on target, one key pass and one tackle, while D. Hancko posted a 7.5 rating after 90 minutes. Rüdiger was Real Madrid’s top-rated player at 7.3 and scored after entering for 36 minutes.

Why it matters

The win gives Atletico Madrid 13 points from six matches, with four wins, one draw and one loss, while Real Madrid stay on 15 points after five wins and one defeat. Barcelona lead La Liga with 21 points, leaving Atletico eight points behind and Real Madrid six points adrift.