Player ratings as Los Blancos claim derby win

Real Madrid survived a late scare to beat city rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 and claims local bragging rights, as well as maintain their perfect start to the new season with a ninth win in all competitions.

Rodrygo and Federico Valverde each scored fine goals in the first half to provide a commanding lead. Atletico substitute Mario Hermoso, who was eventually sent off in stoppage time, pulled one back to threaten a comeback but it was too little too late.

Even from the early stages the derby atmosphere was clear to see. There were a few scuffles between players in those exchanges, played with high intensity and strong tackles.

Rodrygo helped create the opening goal before he scored it, cutting in from the left and feeding Aurelien Tchouameni before continuing his run into the box. The ball came back to him and the young Brazilian was able to finish impressively first time beyond Jan Oblak.

Despite initially starting well, it was midway through the first half when Atletico caught their first real sight of goal as Antoine Griezmann drove forwards and tested Thibaut Courtois’ reach with a good effort. Geoffrey Kondogbia had earlier just missed the target with a long-range effort at 0-0.

The Real goal had actually taken a little bit of sting out of Atleti and the second goal 35 minutes in was hardly surprising. Vinicius Junior was sent racing through by a one-two with Luka Modric. He hit the inside of the post, but the rebound was followed in by a red hot Valverde from a tight angle.

Danger signs still persisted, with Yannick Carrasco forcing Courtois into a smart save soon before half-time after the Belgian winger had twisted Dani Carvajal inside and out. But once the second half began, Atleti’s early fizz faded even more and Real assumed near total control.

With fairly little coming from the hosts and the visitors with a comfortable lead, the second period progressed without that much in the way of proper action. Diego Simeone rang the changes, putting Matheus Cunha, Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa into the game, yet it made minimal difference.

Real were cruising and should have been able to see things out without problem. But a set-piece and a lapse of concentration handed Atletico an unexpected lifeline. Off his shoulder, Hermoso capitalised after Eder Militao inadvertently diverted a corner away from Courtois’ punch.

Hermoso was ultimately on the field for less than 20 minutes, booked a second time for a shove on Dani Ceballos at a corner and given his…