Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid: Hosts snatch dramatic draw after Madrid derby as fans throw objects at Thibaut Courtois - Eurosport
The Madrid derby concluded with both teams taking a point, but it will be remembered for the extended pause caused by Atletico Madrid supporters throwing objects at Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
Shortly after Eder Militao scored to give Real Madrid the lead in the second half, former Atlético Madrid fan favorite Courtois celebrated in front of the crowd behind the goal at the Metropolitano, only to be met with a barrage of thrown objects, including a lighter.
The players left the field for nearly 15 minutes before coming back, and the match restarted with 21 minutes left in the game.
As the match neared the end, Atletico stepped up their attack, and Courtois made an impressive save to block a shot from Lino. However, they equalized in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Angel Correa scored, thanks to VAR reversing an earlier offside call.
In the final moments of the game, Marcos Llorente received a red card for a dangerous tackle, wrapping up a match filled with excitement. However, the event will largely be remembered for the behavior of the Atletico supporters.
A Turning Point In The Rivalry
Numerous unforgettable clashes have occurred between the two major teams of Madrid, but this particular match will be recalled for unpleasant reasons. It could prompt a period of introspection within Spanish football regarding what is considered acceptable behavior in their stadiums.
This seems particularly pertinent just three days after referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez was hit by a bottle thrown by a supporter of Espanyol.
As the match approached, there were speculations that some of the Atleti ultras planned to wear masks to hide their identities while directing insults at Vinicius Jr. However, it was actually former Atletico player Courtois who ended up being the main target after he turned toward that group of fans and celebrated the goal scored by the visiting team.
The Spanish Football Association has empowered referees to remove players from the game if fans act inappropriately. It is now their responsibility to impose penalties that will discourage fans from behaving in such a way going forward.
Match Player Of The Day
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): This match didn't have a single player who truly shone, and Thibaut Courtois might have been a contender for the top performer if he hadn't let in a goal towards the end. With Kylian Mbappe missing out on his chance to debut in the Madrid derby due to injury, it was Valverde who really made an impact for the visitors. He took charge of the game with his powerful long-range shots and smart collaboration with his fellow players.
Atletico Madrid performance ratings: Oblak 7; Marcos Llorente 7, Le Normand 7, Gimenez 6, Reinildo 6; Molina 6, Gallagher 6, De Paul 6, Julian Alvarez 6; Sorloth 6, Griezmann 6.
Substitutes: Koke received a rating of 6, Lino got a 7, Correa was rated 8, Riquelme also scored 6, and Galan earned a 7.
Real Madrid player ratings: Courtois received a score of 7; Carvajal got a 7, Rudiger was rated 6, Militao earned a 7, and Mendy scored a 6. Tchouameni also received a 6, while Modric was rated 7 and Fede Valverde stood out with an 8*. Bellingham had a score of 5, whereas Vinicius earned a 7 and Rodrygo received a 6.
Substitutes: Vazquez 6, Endrick 6, Garcia 6.
"I hardly know any Spanish!" - Gallagher and Alvarez spoke in front of Atletico Madrid supporters.
In the 9th minute, Alvarez makes a move down the left side... He takes a low shot from a difficult angle, but Courtois stops it with his legs.
In the 17th minute, Valverde takes a shot from 20 yards out, curling the ball towards the goal! Oblak leaps to his right to make a spectacular save.
51' HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR RODRYGO! He narrowly misses the target by a few inches. Atletico was caught off guard from a corner taken quickly with a one-two back to Modric, who then passed the ball to the Brazilian, left completely unmarked at the edge of the penalty area.
64' GOAL! ATLETICO 0-1 REAL MADRID (MILITAO)! Vinicius delivered a cross to the far post where the defender was waiting. He controlled the ball before taking a half-volley that deflected off Llorente's leg and found its way into the goal.
68' COURTOIS EXPRESSES HIS CONCERNS ABOUT ITEMS BEING TOSSED IN HIS DIRECTION! The referee has halted the match temporarily. Koke is attempting to soothe the fans. The players are exiting the pitch now.
In the 73rd minute, Vinicius Jr. executed a slick turn to get past Giminez while about 35 yards from the goal. He then unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards out, but Oblak made a fantastic save, diverting the ball away from the post.
83' COURTOIS MAKES A FANTASTIC SAVE! He may steal the spotlight regardless, but Courtois demonstrated his skill as a keeper by deflecting a strike from Lino, which came after an impressive run and twist from the Brazilian player.
90+6' GOAL! ATLETICO 1-1 REAL MADRID (CORREA)! Correa sprinted towards the goal, skillfully maneuvering the ball past Courtois and then slotting it in while facing pressure from Militao.
90+8' LLORENTE RECEIVES A RED CARD! He executed a scissor tackle on Fran Garcia, and after reviewing the footage, the referee decides to issue a red card.
