Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid faced off in a hot derby at the Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday evening, as part of the 29th day of La Liga. In front of a lively audience and under the refereeing of José Luis Munuera Montero, Arbeloa’s men, organized in 4-4-2, received a colchonera formation led by Diego Simeone in the same system. With major stakes in the race for the title and the top 4, this meeting kept all its promises, between intensity, reversals of situations and decisive moments. Finally, the locals managed to make the difference after a spectacular match (3-2).
From the start, Real Madrid put their foot on the ball and imposed a high pace, quickly creating hot situations, notably through Carvajal (3rd) and Valverde, whose shot found the post (9th). Atlético responded on the counter, with an attempt from Llorente well captured by Lunin (10th). Dominant in the game, the Merengues nevertheless came up against a well-grouped defense, like the rescue of Simeone on his line against Vinicius (22nd). Against the run of play, the Colchoneros struck first. Served after a rapid transition, Lookman concluded from close range (33rd). Despite constant pressure at the end of the first half, Casa Blanca failed to come back, stumbling against Musso and a solid defense until the break.
A crazy second half
Returning from the locker room, Arbeola’s troops accelerated significantly and obtained a penalty after a foul on Brahim Diaz, transformed by Vinicius (52nd). Launched, the Madrilenians took the advantage straight away thanks to Valverde, opportunistic after a defensive error (55th). But Atlético did not give up and came back to score thanks to an exceptional strike from Molina into the top corner (66th). The match then got completely out of control, each team quickly projecting themselves forward, especially Simeone’s men determined to strike a big blow. Finally, Vinicius gave his team the advantage again after an individual number on the left side (72nd), finishing with a precise shot into the side net.
The end of the meeting was tense and full of twists and turns. Reduced to ten after the severe expulsion of Valverde (77th), the Madrilenians suffered from opposing attacks, notably a strike from Alvarez on the post (81st). Musso maintained hope with a decisive save against Alexander-Arnold (84th), but Real held on until the final whistle. Thanks to this precious success, the Merengues remain fully engaged in the title race and put pressure on FC Barcelona despite 4 points behind, while Atlético misses an important opportunity to reduce the gap and get back on Villarreal. During the next day, Real will have to confirm this dynamic in Mallorca after the break, while the Colchoneros will try to bounce back to secure their European ambitions by welcoming FC Barcelona in an XXL La Liga shock.
