Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Atletico Madrid: Defensive Disasters for Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao as Julian Alvarez Outshines Kylian Mbappe in Chaotic Derby

Atletico Madrid Hammer Real Madrid in Opening Derby of the Season

It was a night to forget for Real Madrid fans as Atletico Madrid delivered a ruthless performance in the first derby of the 2025/26 season. Diego Simeone’s side dominated the match from start to finish, exposing defensive frailties in Los Blancos and running out 5-2 winners in what turned out to be a chaotic, error-strewn encounter.

Julian Alvarez was the standout performer, scoring twice and taking the spotlight from Kylian Mbappe, who, despite netting a goal, struggled to influence the game against a well-drilled Atletico defense. Antoine Griezmann added a fifth in stoppage time, completing a humbling night for Real Madrid.

Though Madrid managed to get on the scoresheet twice — with Mbappe opening and Arda Guler adding another — the result underlined serious issues at the back. Defensive mistakes, lack of cohesion, and poor communication allowed Atletico to capitalize repeatedly.

First Half: Madrid Looked Rattled Early

Los Blancos started the game nervously, and Atletico were quick to exploit it. The opening goal came courtesy of Robin Le Normand, who rose above the Madrid defenders to head home, leaving Thibaut Courtois stranded.

Madrid responded well for a brief period. Mbappe equalized after 25 minutes, demonstrating his lethal finishing instincts as he latched onto Guler’s precise through-ball. Moments later, Guler himself put Madrid ahead, calmly slotting past Jan Oblak following a clever build-up involving Vinicius Jr.

But the joy was short-lived. Real’s defense remained shaky, and Atletico were patient and direct, exploiting every lapse. On the stroke of half-time, Alex Sorloth rose between the Madrid centre-backs to head home, leveling the match and sending the teams into the break on equal terms.

Second Half: Atletico Capitalize on Madrid’s Frailties

The second half saw Atletico assert dominance. A high boot from Guler inside the box on Nico Gonzalez resulted in a penalty, which Alvarez converted to put the hosts ahead. Just after the hour mark, Alvarez scored again, this time with a brilliant free-kick that swerved over the wall and into the net, leaving Courtois with no chance.

As if that wasn’t enough, Griezmann added a fifth in stoppage time, rounding off what was a truly memorable night for the home fans and a disaster for Madrid.

Goalkeeper & Defensive Ratings

Eder Militao Real Madrid 2025-26

Thibaut Courtois (5/10):

Courtois had little chance on Atletico’s first two goals and was largely helpless. He did make a few important saves but was done for power on the penalty.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Carvajal struggled to contain Atletico down his wing and offered little going forward. At times, he seemed exposed and out of position, which Atletico exploited.

Eder Militao (6/10):

Militao picked up a knock early in the game and never fully recovered. His positioning was off, and he was substituted at halftime.

Dean Huijsen (5/10):

Huijsen was uncharacteristically sloppy and struggled to handle Sorloth’s aerial threat. His mistakes contributed directly to Atletico’s first-half equalizer.

Alvaro Carreras (5/10):

Carreras looked rattled by the occasion and struggled to maintain composure, particularly when dealing with high balls and physical duels.

Midfield Ratings

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2025

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

Tchouameni was overrun at the base of midfield. Atletico’s high press left him with few passing options, and he struggled to dictate play.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Valverde showed plenty of energy and tracked back diligently, but his attacking contributions were limited, and he failed to impact the game when moving forward.

Jude Bellingham (6/10):

Bellingham had a mixed outing. He was solid defensively but inconsistent on the ball, struggling to create chances in his first La Liga start of the season.

Attacking Player Ratings

Vinicius Jr Real Madrid 2025

Arda Guler (7/10):

Guler was inconsistent but contributed positively overall. He scored once and assisted Mbappe’s goal. However, he also conceded a penalty and was outmuscled at times.

Kylian Mbappe (6/10):

Mbappe’s goal was clinical, but after scoring, he disappeared for long periods. Atletico defended him well and limited his impact on the game.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Vinicius had a mixed performance. He provided the key cut-back for Guler’s goal but otherwise was inconsistent and involved in minor altercations that disr

upted his rhythm.

Substitutes & Manager

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2025

Raul Asencio (4/10):

Asencio replaced the injured Militao at halftime but struggled to influence the game and was out of position for the fifth goal.

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

Camavinga brought energy to midfield, winning tackles and trying to inject pace into Madrid’s play, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Franco Mastantuono (5/10):

Mastantuono tried to do too much on the ball, often isolated and unable to link effectively with the forwards.

Rodrygo (N/A) and Gonzalo Garcia (N/A):

Both had very limited time and were unable to leave an impression.

Xabi Alonso (4/10):

Alonso’s tactical setup struggled. Trying to accommodate all the attacking talent left the defense vulnerable, and his side paid the price. A harsh introduction to La Liga derbies for the young coach.

Tactical Analysis: Defensive Chaos Costs Madrid

Real Madrid’s defensive line was uncharacteristically porous. Miscommunication, poor marking, and a lack of cohesion allowed Atletico to score five goals with apparent ease. Dean Huijsen and Militao in particular had difficult nights, struggling against Sorloth and Alvarez in aerial duels and one-on-one situations.

The midfield offered minimal protection, and Tchouameni and Bellingham were bypassed too easily by Atletico’s quick transitions. Atletico’s direct approach exploited Madrid’s frailties, particularly when they played high balls into the box.

Attackers Tried But Couldn’t Rescue

Despite goals from Mbappe and Guler, Madrid’s attack was largely ineffective. Vinicius provided a moment of quality with his assist but was otherwise contained. Mbappe’s brilliance was limited by smart defensive tactics from Simeone’s team. Guler’s penalty concession and moments of poor decision-making also underlined Madrid’s inconsistent performance in the final third.

Conclusion: A Night to Forget for Los Blancos

Real Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico was a stark reminder that even elite sides can falter without defensive discipline. Julian Alvarez was the star, exploiting every lapse, while Mbappe and Guler were unable to compensate for the chaos at the back.

For Xabi Alonso, this was a baptism of fire. His first La Liga derby ended in a heavy loss, highlighting areas that need urgent attention. Defensive organization, communication, and tactical balance will be key if Madrid hope to compete for the title this season.

The derby defeat will hurt, but it also provides a clear diagnosis: Los Blancos must stabilize defensively and regain composure if they are to respond in coming matches. Fans will hope that lessons are learned, because in the heated environment of Madrid derbies, mistakes are ruthlessly punished.