In one of the most highly anticipated and crucial Madrid derbies in recent memory, Real and Atletico shared a point each as the scoreline read 1-1 at the final whistle. Star strikers Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema both found the back of the net for their respective sides to finish things level at the end of regulation time.
Luis Suarez managed to put the hosts in the lead early into the match, and beat Thibaut Courtois with a brilliant finish from a difficult angle to further boost his chances of finishing as the top scorer this season.
Throughout the game, Atletico had plenty of chances to put the game to bed. In particular, Angel Correa and João Felix both had clear cut chances to extend the Rojiblancos’ lead over their city rivals. However, all those chances were squandered and will be looked back on with great regret now that they have dropped two crucial points.
Karim Benzema scored late in the game to rescue a point for Real Madrid in a match where they had been well below par.
It finished 1-1 in the Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano today in La Liga. This draw means Atletico are now just three points clear of Barca at the top, but crucially have a game in hand. #atleticomadrid #realmadrid #laliga #football #soccer pic.twitter.com/AIvK4hXETN
— Jordan (@eastterrace0) March 7, 2021
Both goalkeepers offered outstanding displays of their world-class talents with Jan Oblak saving a point blank range effort from Karim Benzema (supplied by a perfect cross from Vinicius Junior), followed by a second attempt which Oblak did well to stop.
Thibaut Courtois, too, offered many impressive saves to keep Real in the game and he did exactly that despite being beaten early.
The LaLiga title race becomes even more competitive now that there are only three points between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top. However, the latter has an extra game to play to extend their lead while Real Madrid lag five points behind Atletico, which could extend to eight.
