Mbappe Levels the Score for Real Madrid in Draw Against Atletico
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Synopsis
In an exciting derby on February 9, Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, keeping them at the top of the La Liga table. Julian Alvarez scored first for Atletico before Kylian Mbappe equalized shortly after halftime.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid maintains top position in La Liga.
- Mbappe scores his 23rd goal of the season.
- Atletico took an early lead via a VAR-reviewed penalty.
- Outstanding goalkeeping by Oblak saved numerous chances.
- Both teams displayed intense efforts to secure the win.
Madrid, Feb 9 (NationPress) Real Madrid faced off against Atletico Madrid in a thrilling derby at the Santiago Bernabeu, resulting in a draw that keeps them at the pinnacle of the La Liga standings.
Atletico took the lead in the first half with a penalty awarded after a VAR review, successfully converted by Julian Alvarez. However, Mbappe equalized just after halftime, bringing the score to 1-1. Despite several opportunities to clinch a victory, Real Madrid was consistently denied by the impressive performance of Oblak in goal, maintaining the final score.
Real Madrid initiated a series of calculated plays, advancing towards the opponent's territory. Yet, it was Atletico who first threatened, with Lino taking a deflected shot from outside the box in the 14th minute. The hosts quickly retaliated with a long-range attempt from Rodrygo that went over the bar. In the 18th minute, Vini Jr. had his chance from the edge of the area, but his powerful left-footed strike missed the mark. After 30 minutes, referee De Burgos Bengoetxea consulted the VAR regarding a foul by Tchouameni on Lino, resulting in a penalty that Julian Alvarez converted successfully in the 34th minute.
Following the break, Real Madrid began aggressively, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 50th minute. Rodrygo made a strong run to the byline and cut back for Bellingham, whose blocked shot fell to Mbappe, who skillfully controlled the ball and placed it inside the left post, marking his 23rd goal of the season. Just two minutes later, he almost scored again after a brilliant play by Vini Jr., whose cross was headed by Bellingham and hit the crossbar.
Ancelotti's squad was enjoying a significant spell of dominance, coming close to taking the lead again with a similar play. Ceballos delivered a cross that Bellingham headed towards goal, but it was saved by Oblak. The goalkeeper was in the spotlight again in the 71st minute, stopping a close-range shot from Rodrygo and then denying Vini Jr. shortly after.
The derby intensified as both teams sought to secure the win. Yet, it was Madrid who created the better scoring opportunities. In the 82nd minute, Vini Jr. deftly bypassed his defender and provided a pinpoint cross for Rodrygo, whose shot just missed the target. Before stoppage time, Valverde delivered a brilliant through ball to Mbappe, but Oblak made another crucial save. Real Madrid displayed superiority in the second half, yet the match concluded at 1-1, leaving them at the top of La Liga.
