Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a tense derby after Dean Huijsen’s red card, leaving Jose Mourinho’s side six points behind Barcelona

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone watched his side defeat Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano in Madrid on Sunday, September 20, 2026, as a second-half red card for Dean Huijsen helped Atletico secure a tense derby victory and leave Real Madrid six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

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The result lifted Atletico into second place, five points behind Barcelona and one point ahead of Real Madrid, who suffered their second defeat of the campaign.

The decisive moment came shortly after half-time when Huijsen pulled down Giuliano Simeone as the Atletico forward broke through on goal.

The referee initially awarded a penalty, but a VAR review confirmed the foul and resulted in Huijsen’s dismissal.

Alejandro Grimaldo stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, giving Atletico the lead and placing Real Madrid in a difficult position with 10 players.

Mourinho responded immediately, withdrawing Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler and introducing Yan Diomande and Antonio Rudiger as Real Madrid attempted to recover from the setback.

The first half had offered little attacking quality despite the remarkable collection of talent on the pitch.

Real Madrid began with Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield instead of Bernardo Silva, with Mourinho opting for greater defensive solidity.

The match was marked by physical challenges and frequent stoppages rather than sustained attacking football.

One of the main flashpoints involved Jude Bellingham and Atletico defender Cristian Romero. Bellingham was initially booked after a challenge, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, with the yellow card instead shown to Romero.

Real Madrid were also unhappy after Lee Kang-in made a heavy challenge on Federico Valverde shortly before the interval.

The contest changed dramatically after Huijsen’s dismissal.

Atletico used the numerical advantage to increase the pressure, and Jonathan David doubled the hosts’ lead in the 59th minute.

The Canada international finished Giuliano Simeone’s low cross for his third goal in three matches, giving Atletico a valuable two-goal cushion.

Real Madrid were then forced into a difficult chase.

Atletico came close to extending their advantage when Thibaut Courtois produced an excellent save to deny Julian Alvarez.

Ibrahima Konate then made an important intervention, heading Grimaldo’s effort away from the line after the rebound.

Real Madrid continued to search for a way back, but Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak stood firm when Diomande tested him.

The visitors eventually reduced the deficit when Rudiger headed Bernardo Silva’s cross past Oblak late in the match.

The goal gave Real Madrid renewed hope, but Atletico managed the closing stages effectively enough to secure the three points.

The defeat leaves Mourinho’s side facing an early six-point gap to Barcelona, while Atletico move into second and strengthen their position near the top of the table.

For Simeone, the victory also extends Atletico’s strong start to the campaign and provides a significant derby result against their city rivals.

For Mourinho and Real Madrid, the match will be remembered for the pivotal red card and the difficulty of recovering after Huijsen’s dismissal.

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The derby also adds another chapter to the long-running rivalry between Mourinho and Simeone, with Atletico ultimately emerging from a tense and closely contested encounter with the points.