Real Madrid took a crucial step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the last-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Rodrygo Goes set the tone early with a brilliant opener, but Atletico responded through Julián Álvarez, ensuring the heated Madrid derby remained on a knife’s edge. However, it was Brahim Díaz who stole the show, calmly slotting home the winner to send Los Blancos fans into celebration.

Despite Diego Simeone’s side keeping a close watch on Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, they couldn’t prevent Real from edging ahead in the tie. Atletico played cautiously in the closing stages, seemingly content with a one-goal deficit ahead of next week’s decisive second leg at the Metropolitano.

With the advantage in hand, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to finish the job and keep their dream of a record-extending 16th Champions League title alive.