Madrid Derby ends in stalemate as Real and Atletico draw 1-1

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could not be separated in their La Liga Matchday 23 showdown, settling for a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match saw both teams score in either half, with Atletico taking the lead through a controversial penalty before Real responded shortly after the break.

Atletico struck first in the 34th minute after a VAR review led to referee Cesar Soto Grado awarding a penalty for Aurelien Tchouameni’s foul on Samuel Lino. It was the first penalty given against Real Madrid in La Liga this season. Julián Álvarez stepped up and calmly converted with a Panenka-style finish, sending Andriy Lunin the wrong way to make it 1-0.

Real Madrid came out with more urgency after halftime and wasted little time finding the equalizer. Just five minutes into the second half, Rodrygo got past Lino on the right flank and delivered a low cross. Jude Bellingham’s initial shot was blocked, but in the ensuing scramble, Kylian Mbappé capitalized, scoring his first goal in a Madrid derby to level the game at 1-1. Remarkably, it was also Real Madrid’s first shot on target of the match.

🏁 @RealMadrid 1-1 @Atleti
⚽ 35′ Julián Alvarez (p)
⚽ 50′ @KMbappe
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/4IQvhPFgKO

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In the 82nd minute, Vinícius Júnior showcased his dribbling brilliance down the left side before delivering a delicate cross to Rodrygo at the edge of the penalty area. The Brazilian unleashed a powerful strike, but the ball whistled just past the right post.

With the draw, Real Madrid remains atop the La Liga standings, while Atletico Madrid continues its battle for a top-four finish.