Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 3: Bale nets 100th Blancos goal to seal first Wanda win

Real Madrid beat bitter rivals Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano for the first time, as Gareth Bale's 100th goal for the club helped secure a 3-1 win to move them up to second in LaLiga.

Los Blancos claimed a morale-boosting 1-1 draw at Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday and they produced another resilient display to beat Diego Simeone's men on their own turf for the first time since their meeting at the Vicente Calderon in November 2016.

Atletico conceded twice in a first half at the Wanda for the first time, as Sergio Ramos' penalty added to Casemiro's spectacular opener after Antoine Griezmann had equalised, with a little thanks to VAR.

Madrid looked in control at the back under pressure in the second half and finished off their opponents 16 minutes from time through substitute Bale's landmark goal, before Thomas Partey's late sending off.

A fluid Madrid looked bright in the early stages and deservedly went ahead 16 minutes in – Casemiro producing a brilliant bicycle kick to beat Jan Oblak after Ramos nudged the ball on from a corner.

Atletico responded well and levelled nine minutes later, as Angel Correa contentiously robbed Vinicius Junior and fed Griezmann, who beat the offside trap and slotted through Thibaut Courtois' legs.

But Ramos restored the lead just before the break, confidently dispatching a penalty into the bottom-left corner after Jose Gimenez clumsily tripped Vinicius, with VAR adjudging it to have happened just inside the box.

Atletico thought they had equalised when Alvaro Morata lifted the ball over Courtois and into the net in the 54th minute, but VAR proved he was marginally offside.

And Madrid took full advantage in the 74th minute, as Bale – who replaced Vinicius before the hour mark – raced on to Luka Modric's pass and fired across Oblak into the bottom-right corner.

Atletico's fate was sealed with 10 minutes remaining when Thomas received a second booking for catching Toni Kroos.

 

What does it mean? Madrid finding their stride – Barca beware

Not only did Madrid deserve their victory, the manner of the win was particularly impressive. At times, Atletico looked rattled and frustrated, a rare sight in LaLiga. Santiago Solari's side could yet end the weekend eight points adrift of Barca, who take on Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, but they are finding form at the right time. A late title surge could still be on.

Casemiro bounces back

His cameo against Barca on Wednesday was full of errors, but Casemiro was exceptional at the Wanda, tirelessly battling away in midfield and even getting a stunning goal to start things off.

Vocal Gimenez cannot walk the walk

An early flashpoint saw Gimenez give Vinicius a dressing down after feeling he had gone to ground easily in the area, even though the Brazilian did not appeal for a penalty. A little later, the winger left Atletico's centre-back in his wake and then lured him into giving away a spot-kick. It was a day to forget for the defender.

What's next?

Atletico have another Madrid derby coming up next Saturday when they travel to Rayo Vallecano. Solari's men welcome Girona the next day, following a trip to Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger