Real Madrid Wins Champions League First Leg

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, thanks to goals from Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz, despite a strong equalizer from Julian Alvarez. The match, characterized by excellent finishes, leaves Atletico with a task to overturn the deficit in the second leg. In La Liga, Real Madrid suffered a setback with a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis, allowing Atletico to take the lead in the league standings with a win over Athletic Bilbao. Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, currently leading La Liga, will need a win in the return leg on March 12 to advance in the Champions League. Both teams are eyeing success in Europe and domestically, with the rivalry adding extra intensity to their encounters. Ancelotti praised Simeone's managerial skills, acknowledging the Argentine's considerable impact on Atletico's recent successes.