Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Live: La Liga Round 7 Derby at the Metropolitano
Saturday, September 27, 2025 brought a high-stakes Madrid derby as Real Madrid met their city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga round 7. Played at the Metropolitano, the match delivered early drama, shifting momentum, and a 2-2 halftime score that left both sides hungry for more after the break. With Real Madrid sitting at the top of the table on 18 points and Atletico Madrid on 9, the clash carried extra significance for the early-season standings.
First-half overview
From the opening minutes, the tempo was high as both sides pressed for an early advantage. In the 6th minute, Real Madrid defender Eder Militao suffered a heavy blow while thwarting a clear goal opportunity, receiving treatment before continuing. At 13 minutes, a header from Atletico threatened to break the deadlock, but the Real keeper Tíbaut Courtois made a sharp save to deny a dangerous header, keeping the scoreline level.
Then in the 14th minute, Atletico Madrid took the lead through a set-piece that bounced off the defense and found their forward Lou Normand, who directed a header past the stranded Madrid custodian. The visitors seized the momentum, with the clock ticking toward the 25th minute as Real Madrid leveled through a sparkling counter-attack finished by Kylian Mbappe after a precise pass from Arda Guler on the left. The goal showcased Mbappe’s clinical finishing and the young Turkish forward’s growing chemistry with the team.
Just before the end of the first half, Arda Guler was pivotal again, this time assisting and then finishing a clever move that sent Real Madrid into the lead at 37 minutes when he found space and dispatched a shot that nestled in the net. However, Atletico Madrid answered immediately as the German-born forward Alexander Sorloth equalized with a well-timed header in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, pulling the teams back to parity at 2-2 as the first period concluded.
Key incidents and player notes
Around the 40th minute, Dani Carvajal picked up a knock after a challenge but showed his resilience by continuing after treatment. Atletico’s forward line posed several questions for Real’s backline, and Courtois remained alert with a crucial save just after the 13-minute mark to keep the score balanced. The half-time whistle signaled a dramatic end to the opening 45 minutes, with both sides leaving the pitch knowing the next 45 minutes could tilt the derby in either direction.
Second-half outlook and team news
Real Madrid head to the second half with a lineup designed to press home their dominance. Starting XI for Real Madrid included Thibaut Courtois in goal, a back four featuring Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Din Huissen, and Álvaro Carrera, with Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Guler in midfield, while Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Júnior led the attack. The midfield balance, built around Gegentleman midfielders Valverde and Tchouaméni, aimed to supply Mbappe’s incisive runs and Vinícius’ creativity on the wings.
With the match level at 2-2, the second half was expected to open with Real Madrid seeking to convert pressure into a decisive lead, while Atletico Madrid would push to exploit any gaps and regain the advantage. Depth coming from substitutes and tactical tweaks could be decisive as both coaches assess fatigue and momentum shifts from a first-half sprint.
What the result means for the table and the derby narrative
As the full-time whistle approaches, Real Madrid would hope to extend their lead at the top of La Liga, potentially widening the gap over the pursuing pack. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, needed to convert the Derby into a catalyst for regaining form and climbing the standings. The 18-point tally for Real Madrid vs Atletico’s 9 points points to a narrative where the capital club must guard their advantage while the hosts chase an upset to reignite their campaign.
Broadcast information
Fans could watch the derby on BEIN Sports HD 1, with commentary by Ali Al Khaabi, as the game offered a showcase of pace, skill, and strategic depth typical of the Madrid derby. This fixture highlighted how Mbappe’s finishing, Guler’s playmaking, and the supporting cast surrounding them could shape Real Madrid’s title bid while testing Atletico Madrid’s tactical resilience.
