Real Madrid's dominance in the Madrid derby on Europe's biggest stage was further cemented when they defeated arch rival Atletico Madrid 2-1 thanks to a spectacular goal from Brahim Díaz. Los Blancos has a significant advantage going into the pivotal rematch after winning the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 encounter.

Rodrygo broke the impasse barely four minutes into the match, throwing the home crowd into a frenzy as the Santiago Bernabéu came alive. However, Atlético reacted forcefully, as Julián Álvarez restored parity in the 32nd minute with a fantastic shot into the net. Díaz, however, came up with the game-winning moment in a match full of intensity and momentum changes, giving Real Madrid a crucial lead going into the second leg.

Despite effectively neutralizing important threats like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, Diego Simeone's Atletico, plagued by heartbreaking losses to their closest rivals in the 2014 and 2016 championships, ultimately failed. The celebrity duo was held in check by their defensive discipline, but it was unable to stop another defeat on the European scene.

In the last seconds, Atletico Madrid took a measured stance, seemingly happy to maintain their slim deficit going into the pivotal second-leg matchup at home the following week. They appeared to put damage control above seeking an equalizer, which paved the way for a high-stakes sequel.

In a tactical change, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti substituted Morocco international Brahim Díaz for Jude Bellingham, who was suspended, in a midfield position. Fede Valverde, who was judged fit to start, moved to right-back to stabilize the defensive alignment.

Ancelotti had urged his team to have a more resilient mindset and increase their level of effort after Saturday's poor La Liga loss to Real Betis. His players responded purposefully this time, demonstrating the tenacity and dedication he had been looking for.

Atlético eventually settled into a rhythm and started to threaten themselves. A scary moment occurred when Fede Valverde, under intense pressure from Samuel Lino, had to make a last-ditch clearing just inches from his own goal line after Giuliano Simeone sent a dangerous cross into the box.

Atlético then leveled the playing field thanks to a brilliant moment from Julián Álvarez. He dribbled past Eduardo Camavinga on the left side of the field with incredible footwork, then curled a spectacular strike past Thibaut Courtois and into the top corner, leaving the Madrid goalkeeper with no chance.

In recent weeks, the former Manchester City forward has been playing at an incredible level, displaying his deadly finishing touch. He has scored 10 goals in his last 14 games, further solidifying the high price tag that made him Atletico's second-most costly acquisition ever last summer.

Atletico's rhythm was calmly dominated by Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul, who held the ball for extended periods of time and made Real Madrid fight valiantly to regain it. Madrid was unable to set the pace because of their midfield domination, which kept the visitors in control.

As Atlético tried to respond, Griezmann, eager to get in, guided a shot wide, and José María Giménez headed off target. In order to reestablish balance in midfield, Carlo Ancelotti brought in 39-year-old Luka Modrić after realizing the necessity for stability.

Madrid's style was calmed and their mobility was given structure by the Croatian playmaker. The game appeared set to end as both teams struggled to create clear opportunities in the last half, but stoppage time provided a final burst of adrenaline. A straightforward finish was denied to Kylian Mbappé when his low cut-back from the right slid just behind Vinícius Júnior, who was waiting. Shortly after, Jan Oblak made a quick stop to block Modrić's attempt, preventing Madrid from scoring a third goal in the dying seconds.

Atlético Madrid will host Real Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium next week for a high-stakes second leg, where a spot in the quarterfinals hangs in the balance. The winner of this fierce showdown is expected to meet Arsenal, who all but guaranteed their progression with a commanding 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in the first leg in the Netherlands.

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