Brahim Diaz scored a brilliant winner to give Real Madrid a slender advantage over city rivals Atletico Madrid after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

In a Madrid derby defined by three moments of outstanding individual brilliance, Diaz's contribution proved to be decisive ahead of the second leg next Wednesday. 

Rodrygo put the hosts ahead inside four minutes at the Bernabeu when he sprinted past Javi Galan, chopping inside before bending a wonderful effort past Jan Oblak.

But after a nervy start to the contest, Atletico quickly settled and restored parity in the 32nd minute with a stunning goal of their own from Julian Alvarez. 

The in-form Atletico striker skipped beyond Eduardo Camavinga's challenge on the right before whipping a spectacular curling strike around Thibaut Courtois and in off the post.

Diego Simeone's side missed a glorious chance to edge ahead in the second half after a mistake by Antonio Rudiger, but Rodrigo De Paul was unable to capitalise. 

And that spurned opportunity was punished two minutes later when Diaz, in for the suspended Jude Bellingham, skilfully waltzed into the box before driving a low shot into the far corner. 

Real should have increased their lead heading into the second leg late on when Kylian Mbappe raced through on goal down the right, but his cutback to Vinicius Junior was brilliantly intercepted by Marcos Llorente. 

Data Debrief: Diaz a thorn in Atletico's side once again

A lot of pressure was riding on Diaz's shoulders when he was chosen to replace Bellingham in the starting line-up, with the England international serving a one-game suspension after picking up his third yellow card in the competition against Manchester City earlier this month.

But the Moroccan midfielder showed his quality against Atletico, becoming the fifth Real player to score in three different competitions against Simeone's side in the 21st century, joining the likes of Sergio Ramos (four), Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo. 

But it was also a special night for Madrid, who, excluding qualifiers, achieved their 300th European Cup / Champions League victory (G498 D85 L113), at least 63 more than any other team in the history of the competition (Bayern Munich in second on 237). 

Though holding the advantage in the tie, Madrid know they will need to be at their brilliant best to ensure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.