Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: City derby living up to hype after four goals in thrilling first half

The Madrid derby is living up to the hype after a first half that saw both sides score twice and squander several good chances in a pulsating encounter at the Metropolitano.

Robin Le Normand gave Atletico a deserved early lead when he nodded home Giuliano Simeone’s teasing cross after a quarter of an hour, but Real hit back when Kylian Mbappe fired past Jan Oblak follwoing Arda Guler’s fine pass.

The young Turkey international then went from provider to goalscorer when he sent a wonderfully controlled half-volley into the corner from Vinicius Jr’s cross, after the Brazilian had bamboozled two Atletico defenders with a dazzling piece of skill out wide.

Despite Xabi Alonso’s side having the advantage, it was the hosts, enduring an underwhelming start to the season, who looked the more likely to score.

Clement Lenglet bundled home what he thought was the equaliser for Diego Simeone’s men, only for replays to show the defender used his arms to divert the ball into the net.

But Simone’s team were not to be denied for long, as deep into first-half stoppage time, Alexander Sorloth leaped highest to head another fine Atletico delivery past Thibaut Courtois and level things up.

It promises to be another breathless half of Spanish football, with Los Blancos aiming to maintain their perfect start to the LaLiga season and Atletico looking to get their title challenge firmly back on track.