Sports Correspondent

In a highly anticipated Champions League last-16 tie, Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. The win gives the hosts a slender advantage ahead of the second leg.

The match got off to a blistering start, with Rodrygo opening the scoring for Real Madrid. However, Atlético equalized, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

It was Brahim Diaz who stole the show, netting a stunning winner that proved to be the decisive goal.

His strike sent the Bernabéu into raptures and gave Real Madrid a crucial lead heading into the second leg.

The victory marks a significant boost for Real Madrid’s Champions League ambitions, but Atlético will be eager to overturn the deficit in the return leg.

With the Madrid derby always delivering high-stakes drama, the second leg promises to be an unmissable encounter.