Álvarez scores twice as Atletico crushes Real Madrid 5-2 in La Liga derby

By Canadian Press on September 27, 2025.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Julián Álvarez scored twice and Atletico Madrid routed fierce rival Real Madrid 5-2 in a thrilling Spanish league derby on Saturday.

Álvarez’s performance was sweet redemption after his controversial double-kick penalty contributed to Atletico losing to Madrid in last season’s Champions League.

The Argentina striker stole the show from Kylian Mbappé, who scored as Madrid built a 2-1 lead. Álvarez converted a penalty to put the hosts ahead 3-2 early in the second half before he added a second goal with a curling free kick.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico dealt Xabi Alonso his first loss of the season after Madrid had won all six La Liga games and its Champions League opener. Alonso’s only other loss since taking over as Madrid’s coach in the summer was against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals in July.

Barcelona can overtake leader Madrid with a win at Real Sociedad on Sunday. Atletico moved into fourth place.

Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth scored for Atletico in the first half, while Antoine Griezmann went on as a late substitute to round off the big win.

Arda Guler set up Mbappé for his early goal before the Turkey midfielder scored to put Madrid momentarily in front.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press

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