Champions League: Real Madrid secures advantage against Atletico

At the Santiago Bernabeu, individual brilliance made the difference as Real Madrid narrowly defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

From the start, it seemed like both teams were set for an exciting match. However, as the game progressed, it lost some of its intensity. The only highlights were three stunning goals.

The team, led by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, took an early lead in the 4th minute, as Rodrygo Goes scored a brilliant goal with his left foot, finishing off a play started by Fede Valverde with a perfect pass.

The tie came in the 32nd minute, as Argentine Julian Alvarez—who joined the red-and-white squad this summer from Manchester City—scored the only goal for Diego Simeone's team with an impressive shot from the corner of the area, leaving Thibaut Courtois no chance.

The final stroke of genius came from Brahim Diaz, albeit with some controversy. In the 55th minute, the Spanish-Moroccan player sealed the win for the reigning Champions League champions, dribbling past the Atletico Madrid defense and placing the ball out of reach of Jan Oblak.

On that play, Atletico Madrid players appealed for a possible offside on Vinícius Junior, but the referee upheld the goal.

Arsenal's impressive performance in the Champions League

Elsewhere in the Champions League, Arsenal demolished PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Netherlands, with a standout performance from Martin Odegaard, effectively sealing their ticket to the quarterfinals.

The other English team that played on Tuesday also took a comfortable lead for the second leg. Aston Villa triumphed 3-1 over Club Brugge in Belgium. Meanwhile, Lille secured a 1-1 tie against Borussia Dortmund in Germany.