Real Madrid’s disastrous record against Atlético…

Real Madrid were handed a harsh reality check at the Metropolitano. Beaten 2-1 by Atlético Madrid, the Merengues were second best for almost the entire match, and the Opta statistics paint a very clear picture of Atlético’s superiority.

Atlético Madrid controlled possession for long periods, finishing the game with 61% of the ball compared to just 39% for Real Madrid. That dominance was also reflected in the passing numbers. Diego Simeone’s side completed 631 passes, while José Mourinho’s men managed only 393, illustrating just how difficult it was for Real Madrid to establish any sustained control.

The difference was even more striking in attack. Atlético registered 18 shots over the course of the match, with nine of them on target. Real Madrid, by comparison, managed only eight attempts in total, and just three tested the goalkeeper.

The advanced statistics were equally damaging for the visitors. Atlético finished the match with 2.39 expected goals, while Real Madrid produced only 0.32 xG. That huge gap shows how few genuine scoring opportunities the Merengues were able to create and how effectively Atlético controlled the most dangerous areas of the pitch.

Real Madrid also struggled badly in the physical battles. Atlético won 67.7% of the duels, leaving Madrid with only 32.3%. The home side were stronger in challenges, more aggressive without the ball and far more effective at recovering possession.

Atlético also attempted more tackles and generated a greater number of dangerous attacks. Real Madrid often looked unable to cope with the intensity of the derby, particularly in midfield, where Atlético repeatedly disrupted their rhythm and prevented Mourinho’s team from building attacks comfortably.

Another statistic sums up the aggressive nature of Atlético’s performance: the Colchoneros committed 19 fouls, compared to only six by Real Madrid. Interestingly, both teams recorded the same number of crosses into the penalty area, excluding corners, but Atlético made much better use of their attacking possession.

The situation became even more difficult for Real Madrid early in the second half when Dean Huijsen was shown a red card. Reduced to ten men after conceding the penalty, Madrid found themselves under even greater pressure and eventually conceded twice.

Antonio Rüdiger managed to score late in the game and reduce the deficit, but it was ultimately little more than a consolation goal. Real Madrid’s reaction came too late to change the outcome.

There was plenty of discussion after the final whistle about refereeing decisions, but the numbers highlight a broader issue. Atlético did not simply win the match; they controlled most aspects of it.

Real Madrid lacked possession, attacking threat and physical dominance, while Atlético imposed their intensity from the opening minutes.

For Mourinho and his players, the defeat is therefore about much more than the final 2-1 scoreline. The statistical gap underlines just how comprehensively Real Madrid were outplayed at the Metropolitano and how much improvement will be required if they are to avoid similar performances in the biggest matches of the season.

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: L'arbitre du derby va être SUSPENDU pendant les DEUX prochains matchs de Liga. @COPE ✅‼️ pic.twitter.com/7vNmNFWfcy

— RMadrid actu 🇫🇷 (@RMadrid_actu) September 21, 2026