Diaz Earns Real Madrid Lead on Atletico in Derby Battle

Real Madrid claimed a small edge on city rivals Atletico Madrid with a tight 2-1 Champions League last-16 first leg win on Tuesday.

- Agencies

MADRID:

Julian Alvarez levelled for Atletico after Rodrygo Goes sent the hosts ahead, but Brahim Diaz stroked home the winner for the record 15-time winners to delight the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

"I think we played a complete game today, (my) goal was good and it earned us the win, but it's not over," Diaz told Movistar.

"There's still the second leg and we have to give everything, like we did today."

Diego Simeone's Atletico, who lost in the 2014 and 2016 finals against their bitter rivals, kept stars Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe quiet but still came up short.

The Rojiblancos played it safe in the final stages, seeming to accept their one-goal disadvantage for the second leg derby clash at home next week.

"For a moment we had the game under control, but we knew that it would not be an easy match, because they were at home and they have great players," said Alvarez.

"But we know there are 90 minutes to go... it's one goal, and another game, at home with our fans."