Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Review
Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid ended their match in a 1-1 draw, marking the seventh time in the last eight encounters that they could not be separated after 90 minutes. This result allowed Los Blancos to maintain their one-point lead at the top of La Liga. The 238th Madrid derby held particular importance as both teams were competing closely for the La Liga title. The high stakes contributed to a cautious start, with Samuel Lino and Vinicius Junior both taking shots that went wide, representing the closest either team came to taking an early lead.
The game’s turning point came just after the half-hour mark in a controversial moment when referee César Soto Grado reviewed the play and decided that Aurélien Tchouaméni had stepped on Lino’s toes in the penalty area. Many felt this decision was harsh, including Carlo Ancelotti, but Julián Alvarez kept his cool and successfully converted the penalty with a Panenka shot.
Atlético kept pushing forward even after scoring their first goal, primarily through counterattacks, and had Real Madrid on the back foot. A remarkable last-minute block from Tchouaméni stopped Lino from increasing the visitors’ lead. However, they quickly regretted that missed chance as Real Madrid responded just five minutes into the second half. Jude Bellingham, playing in a more advanced position, slipped into the box unmarked, and although his first shot was saved by Jan Oblak, Kylian Mbappé was there to convert the rebound into the net.
At that moment, the momentum shifted in favor of the home team, and they nearly scored again shortly after, but Bellingham’s header from Vinicius’ cross hit the crossbar. Real Madrid maintained relentless pressure, launching attack after attack towards Oblak’s goal, but the Atlético goalkeeper proved to be a formidable barrier, making an incredible one-handed save to deny Vinicius.
Real Madrid was pushing hard for a late goal, and Rodrygo believed he had scored when he took a shot from the edge of the box. However, despite beating Oblak, his shot went just inches past the post. Atlético required another moment of brilliance from Oblak to secure a draw, as he made a crucial save against Mbappé just a minute before the end. Although the away side missed the opportunity to take the lead in La Liga, earning a point at the Santiago Bernabéu is a commendable outcome for any away team.
