Barcelona can go top of La Liga standings after Atletico hammer Real Madrid 5-2 | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been presented with a golden opportunity heading into their La Liga game against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.

The Blaugrana came into the matchweek on second place in the standings, two points behind leaders Real Madrid.

However, following the events of today in the Spanish capital, the reigning champions can now end the matchweek as league leaders.

Real Madrid hammered by Atletico

Indeed, Real Madrid have been handed their first defeat of the 2025/26 season in all competitions as Atletico Madrid absolutely hammered them 5-2 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano today.

The Rojiblancos, who have had a far from ideal start to the season, stepped up for the derby in a huge way, and were by far the better team, and it was reflected in the scoreline.

Alonso and Real Madrid battered by Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Goals from Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez (two), and Antoine Griezmann secured a convincing win for Diego Simeone’s men. Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler scored for Real.

What it means is that the winning streak of Xabi Alonso’s men is now officially over, and with Barcelona only two points shy, a victory over Real Sociedad tomorrow at Montjuic would send them to the top of the standings.

Barça are also now one of only two teams to taste defeat in La Liga this season, with seventh-placed Elche being the other (W2 D4).

Despite injuries hampering them, Hansi Flick & co. have won four in four in all competitions this month, and making it five on Sunday would see them claim pole position in La Liga early in the season.

Flick, during his press conference, had stated that he would be watching the Madrid derby today. And it would be safe to assume that the Barcelona manager will be pleased with the result.