A stoppage-time equalizer from Angel Correa helped Atletico Madrid deny their city rivals all the maximum in the dramatic Madrid Derby at the Metropolitano.
Inside the packed and intense Atleti stadium, the affair started in a cagey manner as both sides kept repelling every attempt for an early breakthrough.
Madrid Derby debutant Julian Alvarez saw the first opportunity of the game land at his feet nine minutes in when he evaded Real’s Antonio Rüdiger and tested the Thibaut Courtois from a very narrow position.
For the visitors, it took them more than seventeen to test Jan Oblak with a long-range strike from Federico Valverde, which was calmly handled by the Slovenian goalkeeper.
The meaty challenges in the first half spurred the game into an entertaining yet goalless and disjointed encounter, with Jude Bellingham’s attempt getting saved as Real continued to ask various questions from their hosts.
The second period started in a similar fashion to the first, as a well-taken set-piece saw Rodrygo strive to Modric’s pass across the edge of the box. The Brazilian, however, blasted the attempt over the bar.
It was Carlo Ancelotti’s men who were dominant despite Atleti’s early substitutions, and they took the lead just after the hour mark through Eder Militao. Vinicius Júnior’s cross from the right found the feet of the Brazilian defender at the back post. He coolly controlled the ball before slamming home Madrid’s opener.
The goal brought about tensions in the stands, and referee Mateo Busquests took the players off the pitch before allowing the game to go on after twenty minutes.
The hosts left late to stun Real deep into the stoppage time as they continued their late drama this season. Correa latched on to Javi Galán’s through ball and finished well after rounding Real’s Belgian goalkeeper.