Following Girona’s draw against Sociedad, Real Madrid gained a significant psychological edge as a victory against Atletico would result in a substantial lead over their rivals at the top of the standings. Nevertheless, Atletico has been seen as Real Madrid’s adversary in recent times.

Diaz initiated the scoring for Real Madrid in the 20th minute (Photo: AS).

Real Madrid employs an offensive shape, with Bellingham positioned in a supporting role behind Rodrygo and Diaz. Atletico’s coach Simeone anticipates the exceptional performance of Morata and Llorente in the offensive department.

Benefiting from the home field advantage, Real Madrid aggressively advanced their team and successfully executed an attack in the 20th minute. Amidst a disorderly scene in the Atletico penalty area, the youthful player Diaz successfully struck the ball into Oblak’s goal, resulting in a score of 1-0 in favour of Real Madrid.

Following their loss, Atletico aggressively urged their players to launch offensive manoeuvres, compelling Real Madrid to adopt a defensive approach. Saul Niguez sprang with great height in the 38th minute and sent the ball into the net, beyond Real Madrid’s goal post.

In the early stages of the second half, midfielder Savic successfully scored a goal by placing the ball into Real Madrid’s net. Nevertheless, following the utilisation of VAR technology, the referee concluded that the Atletico defender had really committed a foul and thereby disallowed the goal.

Real Madrid received a bitter defeat in the last minute of injury time of the match (Photo: AS).

The tempo of the match escalated throughout the subsequent minutes. Real Madrid established a strong position, although Atletico encountered difficulties as Griezmann and Morata were closely monitored by the opposition.

Atletico appeared to have conceded defeat, but in the 90+3 minute, Marcos Llorente swiftly entered the penalty area and headed the ball, leaving custodian Lunin with no opportunity to react. This secured the final 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid remains at the top of La Liga after 23 games, having accumulated 58 points, which is 2 points ahead of Girona. Atletico is now positioned 4th in La Liga, having accumulated 48 points, which is 2 points less than Barcelona, the team in third place.

Squad

Real Madrid : Lunin, Vazquez, Nacho, Mendy, Carvajal, Camavinga, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham (Ceballos 88), Diaz (Joselu 71), Rodrygo (Modric 76).

Atletico Madrid : Oblak, Hermoso, Witsel, Savic, Riquelme (Molina 46), De Paul (Barrios 61), Koke (Correa 68), Llorente, Saul (Lino 61), Griezmann, Morata (Depay 61).