REAL MADRID celebrated their 500th game in the Champions League with hard-fought victory over bitter local rivals Atletico.
Los Blancos have put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg of the round of 16 tie.
Rodrygo gave the hosts the perfect start as he curled home after just four minutes.
But just as it looked like Carlo Ancelotti’s side would have a perfect night, former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez stepped up.
The Argentine forward bettered his Brazilian counterpart’s effort in the 32nd minute.
Alvarez took on his man and then whipped a shot in off the post from the corner of the box.
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Atletico started to dominate the game as they looked to spoil Real’s big night.
But it was the hosts that would find the next goal and it was another former Man City ace on target.
Brahim Díaz jinked his way past two defenders with some brilliant footwork before firing past Jan Oblak in the 55th minute.
The two goals must have left Pep Guardiola scratching his head back at home.
Manchester City were dumped out of the tournament in the playoff round by Real.
The team has failed to defend its Premier League title and has been knocked out of European competition and the Carabao Cup.
The Cityzens only have a spot in the top four to play for and an FA Cup trophy to salvage any success from what has been a disappointing season.
Fans watching on felt the need to take to social media to vent their frustrations.
One posted: “Will never understand why City sold him.”
A second commented: “Blame Pep for not playing him alongside Erling Haaland.”
Meanwhile, Real will be hoping that the one-goal lead can boost them in the return leg next week.
They will not have to travel far as there is only four miles between the two clubs’ stadiums.
The 15-time tournament winners will be hoping to make it 16 by the end of the season.
Elsewhere in the Champions League, Arsenal marched to a 7-1 away win over PSV to virtually seal their spot in the quarter-finals.
Despite the dominant scoreline, Myles Lewis-Skelly was lucky to avoid a first half red card for two reckless challenges.
Borussia Dortmund drew 1-1 with French side Lille while Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-1 in the early kick off.
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