After 75 years, Atlético celebrates a derby triumph, with the "Little Spider" honored on Atlético’s "Legend Avenue."

Written by Han Bing Ahead of this historic Madrid derby, Atlético's executives and fan organizations convened a special meeting to discuss changing the selection criteria for Atlético’s "Legend Avenue": the club will choose players to be honored with plaques from a fan-voted list that spans the club’s entire history. The updated criteria focus more on the players’ major contributions and influence on the club, moving away from the former single standard of qualifying after 100 appearances.

After the afternoon at the "Riyadh Air" Metropolitano Stadium on September 27, Alvarez, who scored twice, undoubtedly became the new "legendary choice" in the hearts of many Atlético supporters.

For the first time in 75 years, Atlético scored five goals against Real Madrid in an official Madrid derby. The thrilling 5-2 victory not only extended Atlético’s unbeaten streak against their derby rivals to nearly five league matches but also handed Real Madrid their first defeat after seven consecutive wins this season. Facing the experienced Simeone again, Alonso—who was winless in two matches during his Leverkusen days—may have truly realized the challenge of managing Real Madrid.

For Alvarez, this was both revenge and redemption. Six months ago, in the Champions League round of 16 second leg penalty shootout, the Argentine forward slipped during his penalty, which the referee ruled as a double-foot touch, causing him to miss and leading to Atlético’s elimination by Real Madrid. The controversial decision sparked a huge public outcry, and to this day Atlético fans continue to petition UEFA President Ceferin to release the original video and audio recordings of the referee and VAR officials after Alvarez’s penalty.

Coincidentally, on September 21 in La Liga against Mallorca, Alvarez missed another penalty, and Atlético was held to a draw by the island team away from home. The team’s poor start of only one win in six matches and a goal drought lasting a month after the first round also brought criticism to Simeone and his compatriot disciple.

However, Alvarez, who proved last season after his high-profile transfer to Atlético that he thrives under pressure with a "big heart," did not disappoint his supporters. His continuous standout performances in the two Madrid derbies mark the official return of the iron-willed squad.

Before this match, Alvarez had scored his first hat-trick for Atlético in the "little Madrid derby" against Rayo Vallecano. In this revenge-filled "big Madrid derby," he first converted a penalty in the 51st minute of the second half to take the lead, then scored a stunning direct free kick in the 63rd minute to seal the victory for Atlético. In fact, if his long-range shot in the 38th minute had not hit the post, the "Little Spider" might have achieved back-to-back hat-tricks.

In his career, Alvarez has scored five goals in eight matches against Real Madrid, making the top La Liga club the team he has scored the most against since arriving in Europe. He also became the second Atlético player since Suarez in January 2021 to score both a penalty and a free kick in the same La Liga match. Including his penalty goal in February this year, Alvarez is the first Atlético player in history to score twice from penalties against Real Madrid. The last Atlético player to score a free kick against Real Madrid was Simeone in October 2008, equalizing in the 90th minute, though that derby ultimately ended with Higuain’s stoppage-time penalty winner for Real Madrid.

The last time Real Madrid conceded five goals in La Liga was in the 2018 Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona, and conceding five goals to Atlético dates back 75 years ago. Before the match, the two teams were separated by nine points in La Liga standings. The last time Real Madrid conceded five goals to a team nine or more points behind them was in May 2003, a 1-5 home defeat to Mallorca, with a 23-point difference.

But how did Atlético, with only one win in the first five La Liga rounds, look so vibrant in the derby? Before the match, Marca had already warned Alonso that Simeone had actively changed tactics in the sixth round against Rayo Vallecano. The defensive line moved forward overall, positioning 35.6 meters from their goalkeeper Oblak—4.5 meters further up than last season. High pressing and full-field pressure brought total control, with Alvarez being Atlético’s top player in interceptions in the attacking third.

In this Madrid derby, Atlético’s victory was due to more aggressive high pressing. Real Madrid’s midfield was weak, and their full-backs were completely exposed by Atlético’s crosses. In the 14th minute, Atlético center-back Llorente outjumped young center-back Hausen to score with a header. Although Real Madrid briefly took the lead thanks to Gvardiol’s assist and Mbappé’s individual skill, in two minutes of added time in the first half, Hausen failed to mark Cerlot, who scored Atlético’s second header of the match.

Just four minutes into the second half, Gvardiol’s clearance in the box was dangerously high, hitting González’s face, resulting in a penalty that Alvarez calmly converted. In the 63rd minute, the "Little Spider" curled a free kick from the left outside the box into the top corner, igniting the entire Metropolitano Stadium. Griezmann’s goal in the three minutes of stoppage time added the finishing touch, making Atlético’s five-goal Madrid derby comeback a memorable moment, repeated after 75 years.

Also redeeming himself was Simeone, who had appeared somewhat anxious since the season began. This resounding derby victory reversed Atlético’s early-season slump, with Simeone fiercely reaffirming that the red and white army remains a serious La Liga title contender.

After the match, Real Madrid youngster Mastantuono showed his deep disappointment by kicking the ball towards the stands. Madrid media bluntly stated: "Simeone taught Alonso a lesson: to beat strong opponents at Real Madrid, you must be more aggressive than your rivals." Alonso, who had a seven-match winning streak since the season started, now faces his first crisis of confidence. The 5-0 derby defeat wipes out all previous achievements. With upcoming tough matches against Juventus at home on October 22, the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona on October 26, and the Champions League away match at former club Liverpool on November 4, if Alonso cannot lead the team to good results in these three crucial games, his "honeymoon period" at Real Madrid may soon end.