Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid score: Los Blancos win 2-1 behind stellar Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz goals

Atleti host the second leg of the matchup where they'll now have a deficit to overcome

Real Madrid will take an advantage into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, who they beat 2-1 on Tuesday in a competitive clash.

The reigning champions got off to a quick start as Rodrygo scored just four minutes into the game, with Rodrygo giving Real Madrid the lead thanks to a fantastic solo effort. They maintained an energetic pace to the game for about 10 minutes before things evened out.

Atletico survived that frantic start and began to find their own attacking chances, finally capitalizing in the 32nd minute thanks to an impressive strike from Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international sent a curling shot from an angle into the back of the net, somehow managing to outdo the 6'7" Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The visitors started strong in the second half but the game eventually tilted in Real Madrid's favor, with Brahim Diaz scoring the game-winning goal in the 55th minute courtesy of another solo effort.

Here's a look at all the Champions League scores on Tuesday.

Tuesday's results

• Club Brugge 1, Aston Villa 3
• Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1
• PSV 1, Arsenal 7
• Borussia Dortmund 1, Lille 1

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:54 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

FT: Real Madrid 2, Atletico 1

Real Madrid finally have their first win over Atletico this season, doing well in a fairly even game. Two impressive strikes from Rodrygo and Diaz ensured they'd carry an advantage into the second leg, while they managed to suck the energy out of the game after Diaz's game-winner to keep the advantage. That's a fairly fragile lead to take to the Metropolitano, though, where Atletico will undoubtedly be on the attack as they aim to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:50 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Llorente saves Atletico

90'+1 Real Madrid are close to adding another, with Llorente marking Vinicius in front of goal. Llorente slips, though, so Vinicius seemingly has a great chance to add a third to Real Madrid's tally. Llorente's able to get back into position and clear the ball out of danger, keeping the deficit at just one goal for Atletico.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:39 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Real Madrid eyeing the finish line

79' Things have been fairly low-tempo for the last 10 minutes or so, a credit to Real Madrid's patient approach. It looks like they have one eye on the finish line for the first leg at this point, finding good ways to block Atletico's chances -- even if they are few and far between.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:25 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Mendy with a chance

65' Real Madrid's build-up is patient this time but Mendy's able to get a shot off from distance -- and with his weaker left foot. It's an impressive strike considering the circumstances but Oblak is able to handle the opportunity with ease.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:21 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Gimenez nearly scores

61' Atletico's search for a second equalizer is officially underway, with their latest attempt coming off a freekick. Griezmann swings the ball in and Gimenez is eventually the player who's able to get a touch on the ball, but he's unable to do much damage with the chance.

Shortly after, Real Madrid bring Modric for Camavinga as they aim to close this one out.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:13 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Real Madrid 2, Atletico 1

55' Real Madrid are back in front! It's been a little bit of a wait for Real Madrid's attack to get going in this half, but Diaz puts in a stellar individual effort after receiving the ball in the box by outmaneuvering a few defenders and then slotting the ball into the back of the net from close range.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:09 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Atletico on the attack

49' Atletico are looking to add to their tally early in this second half, with De Paul swinging in a nice ball to the far post with the hopes of connecting with a teammate. He's unable to do so but Galan recycles the ball and tries to kickstart the play, but nothing comes of it.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 4:04 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Back for the second half

No changes for either side as the game resumes in Madrid.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:49 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

HT: Real Madrid 1, Atletico 1

There will be no stoppage time at the Bernabeu and so a thrilling first half comes to a close. Real Madrid's quick start gave way for a more evenly played half, which the scoreline perfectly encapsulates. It feels like there's still a lot to be said in this game -- especially from the talented attackers both teams boast -- so stick around for what could be an entertaining second half.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:34 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Real Madrid 1, Atletico 1

32' And Atletico are level! Barrios connects with Alvarez on the left flank and Alvarez initially struggles a bit to get control of the ball, having to run all the way to the touchline before gaining command of it. Once he's got it, though, he's able to dance around a Real Madrid defender and make his way to a better angle before hitting a curling shot that lands straight into the top right corner. It's a stunning goal from Alvarez, who has fit in perfectly at Atletico since arriving from Manchester City over the summer.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:32 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Real Madrid with a freekick

29' Real Madrid earn a freekick near goal and Rodrygo swings in a nearly perfect ball from the left flank, hoping to connect with Rudiger on the far post. Oblak makes the save but spills the ball, though the Atletico goalkeeper is lucky that no Real Madrid players were there to cause some real damage.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:30 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Atletico get close again

26' The visitors are feeling themselves now after a frantic start, this time with Lino getting the better of Diaz and trying to play a ball to Simeone, who's right in front of goal. Valverde happens to be in the right place again and slides towards the ball to keep it out of Simeone's reach, once again ensuring that Real Madrid will keep their opponents at bay.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:26 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Vinicius with a shot

22' Atletico come up with some nice build-up play but Griezmann's pocket is picked and Real Madrid are able to go on the counter, ending the play with a shot from Vinicius that's low to the ground. Oblak's able to make a fairly straightforward stop on that shot.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:21 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Valverde keeps Atletico at bay

17' Real Madrid have still mostly dominated this one, but Atletico are finding ways to make their attacking presence known. Griezmann played a smart ball to Lino, who was almost alone in the box, but Valverde was keeping pace with his run and stepped in at just the right to slide the ball out of play. Atletico did well on a corner and Simeone was within shooting distance, but mistimed his hit and so Real Madrid's defense were spared.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:13 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Atletico dangerous on a corner

9' Atletico have their first meaningful look at goal, with Galan getting forward and his side eventually earning a corner. Griezmann swings the ball in and the two sides play a little bit of pinball to either clear the ball out of play or find a shot on goal, with Simeone at one point looking in a good position to score. Atletico can't get the shot off, though.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:10 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

No penalty given

6' Rodrygo's back at it and makes a run from the right flank, ending up in the box. Galan pulls him down and Real Madrid want a penalty, but the referee quickly decides against it. That was definitely a close call for Atletico, but either way, it hasn't been a bright start for Galan.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:06 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

GOAL! Real Madrid 1, Atletico 0

4' Real Madrid waste no time getting on the board thanks to a fantastic strike from Rodrygo! He receives the ball on the right wing and maneuvers around a several defenders before going central and taking a shot, putting the ball in the back of the net. He did it so smoothly that it looked deceptively easy, but it took impressive effort and skill to accomplish that.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:59 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Real Madrid 0, Atletico 0

The first leg of this round of 16 tie is officially underway in Madrid!

[Mar 4, 2025 at 3:02 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Moment of silence

Before kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu, they are observing a moment of silence for former Real Madrid player Javier Dorado. Dorado, an academy graduate and first-team player, died last week aged 48. Real Madrid will wear black armbands in his honor today.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:45 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Prediction: Real Madrid 1, Atletico Madrid 1

Real Madrid have been unable to beat their crosstown rivals in two previous meetings this season, and things are trending in the right direction for another draw between these two. Both sides boast impressive goalscorers and even if the reigning champions have not exactly had the best of seasons, they still have that uncanny ability to come out of bad games mostly unscathed. -- Pardeep Cattry

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:32 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Checking back in on the early game

The tides have shifted with Aston Villa scoring two goals after the 82nd minute of play and they were doozies. A Club Brugge own goal gave them their first and then a penalty was the cause of the second in what is now a big first leg result for the Premier League side.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:25 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Best bet: Real Madrid to win (-110)

Like clockwork this is about keeping it simple. When Real Madrid is at a playable number to win a game, especially one of this magnitude, you take them to win. While matches between these two have produced a lot of draws recently, meeting in the Champions League as compared to La Liga does add a different feel to this meeting. The usual plays like Kylian Mbappe to score and Julian Alvarez's shots on target are also in play, but if I'm backing one thing, it's Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid to win in regulation in Champions League.  

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:11 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Atletico Madrid XI

All eyes are on Julian Alvarez for this one as he has taken well to life in La Liga and will be alongside Antoine Griezmann leading the attack.

Starters: Oblak, Galan, Lenglet, Gimenez, Llorente, Simeone, Barrios, de Paul, Lino, Griezmann, Alvarez

Reserves: Correa, Gallagher, Gomis, Lemar, Le Normand, Mandava, Molina, Musso, Riquelme, Soloroth, Witsel

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:10 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Man of the match: Kylian Mbappe

The French striker needs to replicate the performance of the second leg of the playoffs against Manchester City when Mbappe scored three goals and sent the side coached by Carlo Ancelotti to play in this Madrid Champions League derby. So far, Mbappe has scored seven goals in ten Champions League matches played up to now.  -- Francesco Porzio

[Mar 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Player to watch: Eduardo Camavinga 

The crisis of numbers is showing no signs of easing for Real Madrid, instead moving up the field after decimating Carlo Ancelotti's defense. With Jude Bellingham suspended and Dani Ceballos injured there are still enough quality players to name a competitive engine room, but with an ageing Luka Modric alongside him, there will be pressure on Camavinga to match Atletico Madrid's dynamism -- James Benge

[Mar 4, 2025 at 1:50 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Real Madrid lineup

There's some rotation for Los Blancos from the weekend including the return of Federico Valverde who will be back at right back to face Atletico Madrid. 

Starters: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Brahim, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vini Jr.

Reserves: Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Alaba, Modric, Arda Guler, Endrick, Lucas Vazquwez, Fran Garcia

[Mar 4, 2025 at 1:48 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

A looming Bellingham sized hole

For Real Madrid, they'll get ready for this deby match without Jude Bellingham for the second consecutive match. He missed their La Liga loss against Real Betis due to a sending off but also isn't eligible for today due to yellow card accumulation. Brahim Diaz will look to shoulder the creative load for Madrid but more will be on Rodrygo today as Bellingham makes so much happen for Los Blancos.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 1:33 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Peeking in at the early slate 

While we wait for lineups in the Madrid derby, there's already a fixture in play for the round of 16 between Club Brugge and Aston Villa has just reached the half at 1-1. It was a quick 15 minutes to kick things off with a Leon Bailey stunner that was canceled out by Maxim De Cuyper. It's an even tie so far in Belgium but one that could heat up in the second half as both of these teams can put the ball in the back of the net.

[Mar 4, 2025 at 1:24 pm ET · Pardeep Cattry]

Hello and welcome!

Another entertaining day of Champions League action could be in store today as reigning champions Real Madrid face another tough test as they eye another trip to the final. They will have to go through regional rivals Atletico Madrid, who have been a formidable team in both Europe and Spain this season.

Stick around for pre-game coverage and updates after kickoff.