Real Madrid edged one point closer to Barcelona after drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in a spicy LaLiga derby on Sunday night.
It was a scrappy match in the Spanish capital, but Eder Militao scored the breakthrough goal in the second half, volleying in at the back post.
There was drama after that with Thibaut Courtois being targeted by a section of fans behind him, who could be seen throwing things at the Madrid goalkeeper.
The referee took the players off the pitch, while some Atletico players, as well as manager Diego Simeone, who attempted to calm the fans down.
And when they returned, they netted a late equaliser through substitute Angel Correa, sparking fury from the Madrid players and bench.
Marcos Llorente was then sent off for a late challenge on Francisco Garcia.
It was another classic Madrid derby which had it all, except a winner.
🏁 @atletienglish 1-1 @realmadriden
⚽ 64′ @EderMilitao
⚽ 90’+6′ Correa#AtletiRealMadrid | @emirates pic.twitter.com/GA8F8o6qpa— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 29, 2024
How it happened
The Madrid derby lived up to its billing in a tense at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Real Madrid started the stronger of the two sides, dominating possession from the first whistle.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were probing and looking to break through Atletico’s deep defensive lines that have become so famous under Simeone.
Vinicius Junior, as always, was a livewire on the left wing, but Atletico’s defence held firm in the opening exchanges.
The first half, though lively, was a relatively quiet affair in terms of clear-cut chances.
Courtois was called into action on a couple of occasions, first to deny an effort from Julian Alvarez, who found space on the edge of the box, and later from Samuel Lino, who came close after breaking into the Real Madrid penalty area.
⏸️ @Atletienglish 0-0 @RealMadriden
#AtletiRealMadrid | @emirates pic.twitter.com/sdIzSiYIUq— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 29, 2024
Real Madrid had a couple of their own opportunities, with Luka Modric pulling the strings in midfield.
Federico Valverde came closest, unleashing a thunderous strike from distance that was brilliantly tipped over by Jan Oblak.
The second half saw more of the same, with Real Madrid pushing for the opening goal.
They eventually got their reward in the 64th minute.
After winning a free kick on the left side, Modric floated a cross to the back post.
The ball found Eder Militao, who controlled it well before blasting his shot past Oblak with the help of a deflection.
🙌 @edermilitao 🙌#AtletiRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/VBzpp4X5NX
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 29, 2024
Atletico Madrid, however, refused to give in.
Simeone made several substitutions, bringing on Rodrigo Riquelme and Angel Correa to inject some energy into the attack.
Correa was particularly lively, and his presence soon paid dividends.
With the game winding down, Atletico Madrid mounted one final push.
In the 96th minute, a perfectly timed pass from Javi Galan released Correa.
The Argentine burst past Courtois and bundled the ball into the back of the net.
⚽ 90’+6 | 1-1 | Goal by Correa. #AtletiRealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 29, 2024
Initially, the linesman raised his flag for offside, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was given, sending the Metropolitano into raptures.
Just minutes later, more drama unfolded.
Llorente was initially shown a yellow card for a reckless foul on Garcia, but after a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card, leaving Atletico to finish the game with 10 men.
Despite the dismissal, Atletico held on to secure a vital point.
