Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente scored a late equalizer at the Santiago Bernabeu, costing Real Madrid two points.
The 1-1 final score does little for Atletico’s slender chances of breaking into the title fight, but it does aid Girona – the draw reduces the margin at the top to two points ahead of the second-placed team’s visit to the Bernabeu next weekend.
Vinicius had a neck injury and was forced to withdraw from Real Madrid’s starting lineup prior to the game. His replacement was named as Joselu, but Carlo Ancelotti eventually chose Brahim Diaz, and the former Manchester City teenager shined in the first half.
Despite having multiple chances, Atletico failed to clear a Real Madrid attack, and Diaz turned the ball past Oblak after receiving it from Koke.
Real Madrid had Dani Carvajal in the heart of defence due to Antonio Rudiger’s injury, and with Diaz starting up front, they were a small team on the night, prone to high balls into the box.
In the second half, Joselu headed in an Antoine Griezmann corner for what appeared to be Atletico Madrid’s equalizer. However, the goal was disallowed because Saul was offside directly on the goal line in front of Andriy Lunin.
Diego Simeone went for broke with his substitutions in the second half, and both Memphis Depay and Angel Correa posed more questions to Real Madrid’s defence, but it appeared that Carlo Ancelotti’s side would take all three points and extend their lead at the top to four points – and a 13-point lead over Atletico.
However, Real Madrid’s air vulnerability proved costly in injury time. Memphis Depay flicked on a long ball forward, and Llorente and Nacho faced off for the second ball. Nacho attempted to clear with his foot, but Llorente hooked a header over Lunin, bringing Atletico level.
When asked if it felt like a triumph after the game, Llorente responded, ‘No, it’s two points dropped. To win silverware this season, Atletico must win either the Copa del Rey or the Champions League. ‘For Real Madrid, the league is the priority, and all eyes are on their game against second-placed Giriona next week.Thanks to Llorente’s late goal, the distance between them is not as wide as it could have been.
