PHOTO: Real Madrid’s German defender #22 Antonio Ruediger (L) heads to scores his team’s first goal during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
By Crystal Ugoeze
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Morten Hjulmand were reportedly involved in a heated confrontation as they headed towards the tunnel following Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in Sunday’s La Liga derby.
The reported altercation came after an intense and physical encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Real Madrid ended the match with 10 men and suffered their second league defeat of the season.
Footage and reports circulating on social media claimed Rudiger and Hjulmand were seen fighting while making their way into the tunnel. Details of what triggered the alleged confrontation were not immediately clear.
On the pitch, Atletico secured the victory after Dean Huijsen was sent off early in the second half for pulling down Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty to put Atletico ahead.
Jonathan David then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 59th minute, finishing Giuliano Simeone’s low cross for his third goal in three matches.
Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, struggled to make an impact for much of the match, with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham largely contained by Atletico’s defence.
The visitors eventually reduced the deficit when Rudiger headed Bernardo Silva’s cross past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak late in the game.
However, Madrid could not find an equaliser as Atletico held on for all three points.
The result lifted Atletico to second place, five points behind leaders Barcelona and one point ahead of Real Madrid.