Alvaro Morata’s double aids Atletico in snapping Real Madrid’s winning streak

Alvaro Morata scored twice for Atletico Madrid as they won the La Liga derby 3-1 on Sunday, handing rival Real Madrid their first loss of the year.

In the noisy Metropolitano stadium of fifth-place Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann also scored, champions Barcelona took the league lead as Los Blancos lost their perfect record.

Real Madrid are third in the standings, one point behind Barcelona and second-place Girona after failing to match Atletico’s level of ferocity in an exciting contest.

Griezmann and Morata both scored early goals for Atletico, but Toni Kroos’ fierce shot just before halftime gave Madrid a chance to tie the game.

However, Madrid was unable to recover against an Atletico team coming off of what coach Diego Simeone called their “weakest” performance of his lengthy rule last Saturday. Morata went home once again at the start of the second half.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters, “It was an issue of defensive frailty, something we haven’t experienced in the first few games.

“It was not a fantastic night, they got three past us in little over 45 minutes… In particular throughout the first half, the squad lacked cohesiveness, and Atletico capitalized on it.

Atletico’s Morata led the line well and was rewarded with two goals, which he excitedly celebrated.

“What I need is to feel important, and this year, maybe I feel more important than in other years, — I hope we keep winning because I really want to win a title with Atletico,” Morata said to DAZN.

I was just saying the other day that the fans will play the most significant part, and that’s how it turned out, so I’m extremely delighted for all of the fans.

“They’re in the stands, but we’re all together on the field.”

Although Ancelotti had played experienced midfielders Luka Modric and Kroos sparingly this season, he decided to start both of them in the team’s most important game of the season so far, benching Joselu and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Instead of using Jude Bellingham in the number 10 position where he has excelled since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and scored six goals in his first six games prior to the derby, the Italian moved the newcomer even farther into attack, partnering Rodrygo.

Vinicius Junior, a great striker for Real Madrid who has recovered from a hamstring injury but was absent due to a gastrointestinal issue on Sunday morning, was not available.

Atletico grabbed the lead after only four minutes.

After eluding David Alaba’s attention, left wing-back Samuel Lino swung in a pass for Morata to head home.

In the 18th minute, after Saul Niguez’s cross, Griezmann headed a header past Kepa Arrizabalaga to give the hosts a double-digit lead.

After 30 minutes, Atletico could have made it three, but Saul was denied by a superb low stop from Madrid’s goalkeeper, who is on loan from Chelsea.

When Kroos raced around Marcos Llorente and fired past Jan Oblak from the outside of the box, the Rojiblancos were swiftly forced to pay.

Photocopy objectives

When Ancelotti substituted Joselu for Modric, the 38-year-old saw little of the action. However, only one minute into the second half, Atletico extended their advantage.

Alaba assumed Camavinga would mark Morata, who scored with a free header from Saul’s cross by leaving the Spain striker open behind him.

Ancelotti groused, “The three goals were a photocopy.”

We weren’t properly positioned in the area and weren’t compact on the three goals, which resulted in space opening between the center-backs.

For Madrid, substitutes Tchouameni and Rudiger just missed long-range attempts as the hosts outplayed their adversaries and won convincingly.

An unimpressive night for England international Bellingham came to an end when he was cautioned for a reckless challenge on Angel Correa in stoppage time. This was the first time since his arrival that Bellingham failed to have a significant impact on the game.

Atletico Madrid players, on the other hand, thrilled coach Simeone by celebrating with their supporters at full-time.

The team’s spirit is what matters most, the Argentine coach told DAZN, since once it has been restored, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is.