The captain missed a penalty kick and gave gifts repeatedly. Manchester United s defeat was not unfair.

A 2-5 defeat made Xavi Alonso and his Real Madrid harshly pull back to reality from the perfect fairy tale of the season start. At the Metropolitan Stadium, they faced the first major test of the season. And the result was a complete defeat. Atletico Madrid has also broken through the gates of its mortal enemy in the city for the first time in derby five times since 1950. The script of a defeated game was out of control from the beginning. In the 14th minute, Lenormand's header scored the first record for Atletico Madrid. Despite the goals of Mbappe and Gulaire, Real Madrid once helped overtake the score. But the team's poor defense became the biggest failure last night.

Sollott's header allowed both sides to draw in the first half. The second half became Alvarez's solo performance. A penalty kick and a shocking free kick completely killed the game. Before the end of the game, Griezmann's goal seemed like the last straw that broke the camels.

This loss not only ended Real Madrid's winning streak, but also made them lose their top position. The perfect statistic of Real Madrid conceded only three goals in the first seven games was proven to be an illusion in this game. Their weaknesses in defensive high-altitude balls and set-pieces were repeatedly targeted by Simeone's team.

Atletico Madrid's first three goals are directly related to Real Madrid's poor air defense capabilities. Whether it was the headers of Lenormander and Sollot, or the penalty kicks sent by Guillail recklessly in the penalty area, they all exposed Real Madrid's lack of defensive hardness in the penalty area.

Alonso hopes that the team can defend with high pressure and ball control, and this tactic is effective against weak teams. But when facing opponents of Atletico Madrid's level and players need to show their most primitive defensive skills and blood, they are obviously not ready yet.

The imbalance of mentality

What worries Alonso more than tactics is the imbalance of the team in mentality. After the game, he bluntly pointed out that the team lacked the strength it deserved and did not show the level of competition needed for the derby.

For young people like Juisen, Carreras and Guillier, this is their first derby, and it is understandable that they are inexperienced. But the entire team failed to adapt to the fanatical atmosphere of the Metropolitan Stadium.

In sharp contrast to this is Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez's big heart.

Ice and Fire

This game is Alvarez's revenge battle. Last season, it was his controversial penalty kick that caused the team to be eliminated. Now, under the same circumstances, he withstood the pressure and calmly sent the penalty kick, completing his redemption. That wonderful free kick was a perfect reflection of his skill and confidence.

And for Real Madrid, except for Mbappe still using goals to prove his ability. The other players performed mediocrely. Bellingham recovered from a serious injury and was in mediocre form. Although Gulaire made a pass and shot, he also sent a fatal penalty.

The future test

For Alonso, this crushing defeat was undoubtedly a huge humiliation, but it was more likely to be a valuable learning experience. This is his first time as Real Madrid coach, he has fought against Simeone, the old world. The opponent taught him a good lesson. The honeymoon period is over and the real test is only beginning now. How the team emerges from this rout will determine their final direction of the season.