After five first rounds in which it achieved five victories in the Spanish league, Real Madrid recorded its first defeat on Sunday, in a derby against Atlético, which won in front of its home crowd 1-3 from a clutch of Álvaro Morata and another goal from Antoine Griezmann. Jude Bellingham, who has been Real's man so far this season with a number of dramatic goals that have brought them dramatic points, was stopped by the Colchoneros' midfield players and of course the media emphasized it.
⚪ Bellingham lost as second striker
⚪ Ancelotti's gamble on Kroos and Modric
⚪ Alaba exposed for all three goals
Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season against Atletico.
It was a poor performance — and signs suggested it had been coming.
📝 @MarioCortegana
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 25, 2023
"Real Madrid lacked what they got from Bellingham in previous games, and it seemed that he was not functioning at the Wanda Metropolitano, a stadium that knows how to provide a special atmosphere in such games," Mundo Deportivo wrote. He was anemic for 90 minutes, and his frustration was obvious, especially in the latter part of the game, when he got into some fouls that could have developed into clashes."
Marca added: "This is the fourth game in which Real have had to come back from falling behind, they don't know how to start games and against rivals like Atletico Madrid it's just too dangerous. This is something that Ancelotti and his players need to solve and quickly."
Morata in madness, yesterday in Madrid, Photo: Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti analysed the game and took responsibility: "The problem is that we were vulnerable defensively. It wasn't like that in previous games. I don't want to blame specific players, we just didn't defend well as a team. In six games we conceded three goals, and suddenly in 45 minutes we conceded two. Maybe I could have done a better job too, obviously it's my responsibility, but I have broad shoulders. No problem."
The Italian added: "The problem is not in the system. The method will not change. We're sad and angry, like every loss, but until this loss we looked good. Atletico is one of the best defensive teams in the world, it's very hard to find territory against them, but the problem wasn't in attack but in defence."
Diego Simeone, on the other hand, celebrated and praised his players: "Morata he was outstanding. We need it in this version. We knew he could play like that, he had the tools to provide us with the numbers we needed. I hope he continues like this, because he is an important striker for us and the Spanish national team."
Three crosses, three headers, three goals for Atletico Madrid.
Alvaro Morata restores his side's two-goal lead over Real Madrid with his second.
📼 @ViaplaySportsUK pic.twitter.com/oUQOo5Eada
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 24, 2023
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One person who hasn't found himself so much in the last two years since going out on loan at Chelsea is Saul Niguez, who cooked twice in a game. The midfielder, who also suffered serious injuries, celebrated after the game on social media and taunted Real fans who posted a picture of Madrid and added the Atletico logo.
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