New Delhi: The Madrid derby had everything, goals, controversy, and drama, but in the end, neither Real Madrid nor Atletico Madrid could claim all three points in a gripping 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. Julian Alvarez’s first-half penalty gave Atletico the lead before Kylian Mbappe struck back early in the second half to rescue a point for Real.
With this result, Real Madrid remain at the top of the La Liga table with 50 points, just one ahead of Atletico, who missed an opportunity to overtake their city rivals. The match was a tale of two halves, with Atletico dictating play in the first 45 minutes before Real Madrid came back stronger after the break. However, despite dominating the second half, Carlo Ancelotti’s men could not find a way past Jan Oblak, who was in sensational form for Diego Simeone’s side.
Kylian Mbappe cancels out Julian Alvarez penalty in heated Madrid derby
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their first goal. (Image via REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura)
Atletico Madrid started with more control, pressing high and forcing Real Madrid into mistakes in midfield. Their positive approach paid off in the 35th minute when Samuel Lino went down in the box under a challenge from Aurélien Tchouaméni. The referee initially waved play on, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, awarding a penalty to Atletico. Julian Alvarez stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Real Madrid struggled to create clear openings in the first half, with Atletico’s defence staying compact and organised. The home side lacked their usual fluency in attack, with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo finding little space to operate. Ancelotti’s frustration was evident as his side went into the break trailing.
However, Los Blancos came out firing in the second half, and it didn’t take long for them to find the equaliser. In the 50th minute, Vinicius Jr’s shot was parried by Oblak, but Kylian Mbappe reacted quickest to the rebound and fired the ball into the net. The French forward’s goal lifted the atmosphere inside the Bernabeu, and suddenly, it was Real Madrid who looked more likely to win the game.
Despite Real’s dominance in possession and attacking intent, Atletico held their ground. Oblak made a series of outstanding saves, including a brilliant stop to deny a powerful header from Antonio Rudiger and another quick reaction save from Rodrygo. The Slovenian goalkeeper was the difference-maker as Atletico absorbed wave after wave of pressure.
In the closing minutes, Real Madrid pushed forward desperately, but Atletico defended with discipline. A last-minute counterattack saw Antoine Griezmann go close, but Courtois stood firm to ensure the match ended level.
With this result, Real Madrid keep their narrow advantage at the top of La Liga, while Atletico Madrid will feel they missed an opportunity to go ahead in the title race. The battle for the Spanish crown remains wide open, and both teams will have to keep their momentum going as the season progresses.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out a 1-1 draw in a tense La Liga clash, with Kylian Mbappe’s equaliser keeping Los Blancos top of the table. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
