By Fernando Kallas; Reuters.
Atletico Madrid beat arch-rivals Real Madrid 2-1 in LaLiga on Sunday as second-half goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David settled a tense derby at a packed Estadio Metropolitano.
Real appealed for Cuti Romero to be sent off for a studs-up challenge on Jude Bellingham during a physical first half, but the visitors went down to 10 men shortly after halftime.
Dean Huijsen was dismissed for bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the area as the last defender, allowing Grimaldo to score with a low spot kick. David doubled Atletico’s lead in the 59th minute, volleying home from close range after Simeone’s run down the right.
Antonio Ruediger headed in a free kick in the 89th minute, but Real’s response came too late. Atletico climbed above Real into second in the standings on 16 points, five behind leaders Barcelona and one ahead of Real and Real Betis.