David Keeps Up Scoring Run with Vital Goal in Madrid Derby

Written By Gareth Hinton | Published at September 21, 2026

Jun 28, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Canada forward Jonathan David (10) and South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya (24) battle for the ball during a Round of 32 match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Canadian international Jonathan David was on target in Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday.

Since joining at the Metropolitano on loan from Juventus, David has settled in and quickly become a fan favourite.

David’s Atleti Win the Derby

David debuted for Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, coming off the bench in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

A few days later, David made his La Liga debut, scoring in a 3-0 victory at Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old then started against Osasuna, netting in a 4-0 home win.

The Madrid derby is one of the biggest soccer games in the world, and David earned a start after the goals against Sociedad and Osasuna. The Canadian made the most of it, scoring the second in Rojiblancos’ 2-1 home triumph over their rivals.

David has hit the ground running in Spain, proving his worth at the very top of the game. He has played a huge role for Diego Simeone’s men over the past couple of weeks, helping his new team move above Real into second in La Liga.

Can Simeone’s Men Keep Up Their Improved Form?

Los Colchoneros have won three out of three in the league since David arrived. The striker has kept up his fine scoring form from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the record-breaking win against Qatar.

David was linked with several clubs last summer, with a move to the English Premier League reportedly on the cards. However, he decided to switch from Turin to Madrid for the rest of the season, which could work out for all parties.

David’s Atleti is looking to keep up its fine form when La Liga returns from the three-week international break. Rojiblancos travel to Alaves in the league before hosting Manchester United in the Champions League.