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February 5, 2024
In a thrilling Madrid derby, Marcos Llorente emerged as the last-minute hero for Atletico Madrid, scoring a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening. Brahim Diaz had given the hosts the lead in the first half, and it appeared that Real would hold on for a crucial victory until Llorente’s late intervention salvaged a point for the visitors.
Diaz, stepping in at the last moment for the injured Vinicius Junior, opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a composed chip that showcased his skill and calmness under pressure. The hosts started brightly, with Diaz, Jude Bellingham, and Ferland Mendy all coming close early on. Still, it was Diaz’s persistence that ultimately paid off. After his initial pass deflected to Lucas Vazquez, whose cut-back found Bellingham, the ball ricocheted off Koke. It fell kindly for Diaz, who finished expertly over Jan Oblak.
Atletico Madrid, typically resilient under Diego Simeone, adopted a defensive approach, retreating into two banks of five to absorb early pressure and look for counter-attacking opportunities. Despite their cautious strategy, they initially struggled to break out of their half, with Antoine Griezmann testing Real’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin only once in the opening stages.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid seemed on course for victory, managing the game effectively and holding onto their slender lead. However, with three minutes of stoppage time played, Llorente rose to the occasion, powering in a header from a deep cross after a flick-on from Memphis Depay. This sent the Atletico supporters into raptures and denied Real the full three points.
The draw leaves Real Madrid at the top of the table, just two points clear, while Atletico consolidates their position in fourth. This highlights the fierce rivalry and unpredictability of this iconic fixture.
The Spaniard collected the ball skillfully, displaying impressive footwork as he lofted it elegantly over Oblak, giving the home side a well-deserved lead. In quick succession, Axel Witsel and Stefan Savic came close with headers in the 24th and 25th minutes. Atletico continued to pose a threat primarily from set pieces. Just three minutes into the second half, Savic thought he had equalized, powering a header from a Griezmann inswinger at the near post. Still, his goal was disallowed after Saul Niguez was deemed to have interfered in an offside position.
As the match progressed, Rodrygo and Diaz kept testing the Atletico defense, with Rodrygo forcing a solid save from Oblak. Diaz then weaved his way into the box, nutmegging Mario Hermoso, but his curling effort just missed the far corner. Griezmann nearly found the equalizer 12 minutes from time, attempting an intricate back flick from an Angel Correa cut-back, but Lunin made a crucial save. As Real Madrid looked to secure a significant victory, Llorente emerged as the hero, nodding home the dramatic equalizer after Memphis Depay flicked on a deep cross from Savic. Real Madrid remains at the top of the table, but now only by two points. At the same time, Atletico solidified its position in fourth place.
Real Madrid had ample opportunities to secure the win but failed to capitalize, particularly in the first half when Atletico Madrid adopted a passive approach. Carlo Ancelotti’s side should have taken control and paid their rivals for their defensive stance. However, their profligacy underscored the pressing need for a reliable number nine. The departure of Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia last summer left a significant void, and the numerous missed chances highlighted Real’s vulnerability without a top goalscorer. Did Atletico deserve a point? Perhaps not, but ultimately, Real failed to take their opportunities, which resulted in a shared outcome.
Brahim Diaz delivered a standout performance despite not being slated to start. He brought dynamism and creativity to the attack alongside the pace of Rodrygo. His presence provided a different edge to the team compared to having Vinicius Junior up front. Diaz’s goal was a well-deserved reward for his exceptional display, making his withdrawal in the 70th minute surprising. His replacement, Joselu, brought height but failed to add the same spark to Real’s game.
Lunin 7, Vazquez 6, Carvajal 6, Nacho 6, Mendy 6, Valverde 7, Kroos 6, Camavinga 6, Bellingham 6, Rodrygo 6, Diaz 8.
Subs: Joselu 5, Modric 6, Ceballos 6.
Oblak 6, Witsel 6, Savic 6, Hermoso 5, Llorente 7, Koke 5, De Paul 6, Niguez 6, Riquelme 6, Griezmann 6, Morata 6.
Subs: Molina 6, Lino 6, Depay 6, Barrios 6, Correa 6.
9′: GREAT SAVE! Griezmann drops deep to connect play, delivering a lovely reverse through ball for Morata. The striker attempts a snapshot toward the far corner, but Lunin reacts swiftly to push it away.
20′: GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 ATLETICO MADRID (BRAHIM DIAZ) Real takes the lead, and Brahim Diaz is the surprise starter! He has been electric, and after a sequence of passes, a loose touch from Koke falls perfectly for Diaz, who lifts the ball calmly over Oblak.
24′: ANOTHER GREAT SAVE! An inswinging corner from Griezmann is flicked on target by Witsel, but Lunin is equal to it. Savic then meets another corner but guides it just wide of the far post. Atletico continues to threaten from set pieces.
48′: GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-1 ATLETICO MADRID (SAVIC) It’s 1-1 as Stefan Savic nods home from Griezmann’s corner at the near post! What a start to the second half for Atletico! NO GOAL! The goal is chalked off for offside, as Saul is deemed to have interfered with play. The score remains 1-0.
90+3′: GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-1 ATLETICO MADRID (LLORENTE) Atletico has equalized! Marcos Llorente heads in at the death after a lofted ball from Savic is flicked on by Memphis. Llorente intercepts between Nacho and Carvajal to level the score right at the end!
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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