Real Madrid turned in a miserable defensive showing, and lacked cutting edge going forward in a poor 3-1 loss against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Los Blancos were susceptible on the counter-attack, with usual stalwart David Alaba culpable for three near-identical headers against their cross-city rivals to drop their first La Liga points of the season.

Alvaro Morata bagged the opener inside four minutes, nodding Samuel Lino’s angled ball past a frozen Kepa Arrizabalaga. The home side made it two shortly after, Saul linking up with Antoine Griezmann, who glanced a header into the bottom corner. The France star could have added a third, too, but saw his effort well denied by Kepa.

Toni Kroos provided the Real response, pivoting from his left to right foot, before smashing past Jan Oblak from the edge of the box. But Madrid’s defending let them down again, as Atletico only needed two minutes of the second half to double their lead, Morata completing his brace with another free header.

Carlo Ancelotti changed things shortly after, introducing fresh legs, and reverting to his preferred 4-4-2 formation to get back into the game. And the visitors created more as a result, as Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo fired narrowly wide, while Joselu created problems in the box.

Still, the crucial goal never came, and Atleti looked admittedly comfortable seeing off their bitter rivals.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

Couldn’t do anything about the goals. Was let down by his centre-backs.

Lucas Vazquez (4/10):

Two of Atleti’s goals came down his side. Overwhelmed by the pace and trickery of Lino. Looked a lot like the converted winger he is.

Antonio Rudiger (4/10):

Completely absent during all three goals. Put one wide from distance.

David Alaba (3/10):

Lost track of Morata on the Atletico opener. Did so again on the second with Griezmann and third with Morata again. Hard to recall such a poor performance from him.

Fran Garcia (4/10):

Caught ball-watching on a number of occassions. His attacking quality is undeniable, but his defensive issues are a real problem.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):

Had a goal correctly ruled out for offside. Lost defensively in crucial moments. Yet to find his best this year.

Toni Kroos (5/10):

Lackadaisical defensively on two of Atleti’s goals. Didn’t have the requisite legs to help out on the counter. His excellent goal will be largely forgotten.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Should have closed Lino down in the build-up to Atletico’s opener. Looked much better in the second half.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Handed a start for the second straight game. Rusty and lacking in quality before being removed at the break.

Jude Bellingham (5/10):

Stuck in an awkward left-wing position in the first half, where he didn’t look very comfortable. Given more freedom in the second, but never truly impacted the game. He can’t be the saviour every time, it seems.

Attack

Rodrygo (5/10):

Operated as a roaming loan striker in the first half, but lacked support at times. Much improved in the second when able to play off Joselu.

Subs & Manager

Joselu (6/10):

Introduced at half-time, and the team certainly improved with his presence.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Raised the tempo at the base of midfield. Put a shot narrowly wide. Needs to start.

Nacho (5/10):

Defensive cover for Vazquez.

Ferland Mendy (5/10):

Returned from a lengthy injury absence to offer relief for Garcia. Booked almost immediately.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Added an injection of quality. Probably needed to be brought on earlier.

Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):

Got his tactics wrong from the first minute. Madrid needed a central striker, but the manager instead opted for five midfielders and Rodrygo. His side were awful for 35 minutes, better for 10, and defensively poor throughout. Ultimately thwarted by a Simeone masterclass.