The first chance of the game went the way of Atlético, as Rodrigo De Paul floated a free-kick into the box where Felipe rose highest, but his header went narrowly over the bar. The hosts continued to apply pressure and went close again shortly after when Yannick Carrasco latched onto an excellent ball from Koke, but Dani Carvajal managed to get a foot on it to send it wide.
Despite Atlético having the early chances it was Real Madrid who took the lead, as Aurélien Tchouaméni played an exquisite chipped pass to find Rodrygo, who prodded past Jan Oblak at the near post. Los Colchoneros continued to search for a goal, as Antoine Griezmann carried the ball forward before stinging the palms of Courtois from the edge of the area. Los Blancos soon doubled their lead, as Vinicius Junior ran onto a Luka Modrić through ball before hitting the post, but Federico Valverde was quickest to react and turned home the rebound. Atlético almost pulled a goal back just before HT, as Carrasco beat his man before cutting inside and firing towards goal, only to be denied by Courtois.
Diego Simeone’s side continued to press for a goal and after a cagey first 15 minutes of the second half, they managed to fashion a chance. Griezmann whipped a ball into the box before Felipe tried to connect, but it was narrowly out of reach and went just wide of the post. The second half contained few chances, as Real found themselves with a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Valverde’s strike flew over the bar. Atlético eventually pulled a goal back with 10 minutes left to play, as Mario Hermoso made contact with Griezmann’s corner to steer it into the back of the net. However, things got worse for Atlético in injury time, as Hermoso received a second yellow for pushing Dani Ceballos.
Real held on to win their sixth game in a row in La Liga - the first time they have achieved this in their opening six games since 1987/88, tightening their grip on the top spot as Atlético remain 7th.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)