Atletico Madrid halts Real Madrid with late strike

Real Madrid thought they had taken all three points in the derby, then Marcos Llorente equalized in the last minute of the game.

Marcos Llorente’s stoppage-time equalizer secured a dramatic end to the 236th Madrid derby as Atlético Madrid stopped Real Madrid from opening up a four-point lead at the top of the La Liga table.

Real Madrid was plagued by injuries, mostly in defense, going into the game, but the worse happened when Vinicius Junior could not play the game after pulling out a few minutes before kick-off.

Carlo Ancelotti called up Brahim Diaz into the XI in the Brazilian’s place, and he put Real Madrid ahead early in the game as he scored from a rebound. Atlético came close to replying immediately twice, but set pieces with Axel Witsel and Stefan Savić wasted the opportunities. 

Diego Simeone’s side continued to threaten with crosses into the box, and they had the ball in Real Madrid’s net when Savić headed home from Antoine Griezmann’s corner, but fortunately for Los Blancos, VAR adjudged that Saúl had impeded goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in an offside position and the goal was ruled out. 

Real Madrid didn’t exactly dominate and had chances few apart, but Atletico Madrid tried hard enough to beat Andrey Lunin in Real Madrid’s goal, but that didn’t happen until late in the game in the 93rd minute when a bouncing ball in the area was headed home by Llorente.

Sunday’s game was the third meeting of the rivals in 2024; Real won 5-3 in extra time in the Spanish Super Cup, while Atletico triumphed 4-2 after extra time in the Copa del Rey.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now two points clear of surprise package Girona, who drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad on Saturday. La Liga defending champions Barcelona are six points back, while Atletico are 10 points off top.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu