Barcelona, Spain (AP) – Julian Alvarez scored twice, and Atletico Madrid routed fierce rival Real Madrid 5-2 in the thrilling Spanish League derby on Saturday.
Alvarez’s performance was sweet red after his controversy Double kick penalty He contributed to Atletico, who lost to Madrid in the Champions League last season.
The Argentine striker stole the show from Kylian Mbappé, who scored when Madrid built a 2-1 lead. Alvarez converted the penalty to advance the hosts 3-2 early in the second half before adding the second goal with a curling free kick.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico treated Xabi Alonso the first loss of the season after Madrid won six LA La Liga games and all of its Champions League openers. Alonso has had other losses since taking over as Madrid’s coach in the summer and facing Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in July.
Barcelona will be able to overtake leader Madrid by winning at Real Sociedad on Sunday. Atletico came in fourth.
Robin Le Normande and Alexander Sorlos scored at Atletico in the first half, while Antoine Griezmann continued as a late alternative to round out a big victory.
Arda Guler set up Mbappé for his early goal before the Turkish midfielder scored to put Madrid forward for a moment.
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