Atlético stage comeback to draw 1-1 against Madrid after Angel Correa netted a 96th-minute leveler in a pulsating Madrid derby on Sunday night at Wanda Metropolitano. The match despised disruptions from the fierce home crowd as repeatedly thrown objects onto the field interrupted regular play for over 20 minutes to put up one of the league’s yet notable encounters this season.
Rioting adrenaline escalated tensions at the Wanda Metropolitano after Real Madrid's Eder Militao opened the scoring to break a long personal goal drought. Fervent Atletico supporters couldn't contain their dissatisfaction and began throwing objects towards Thibaut Courtois, their opponents' goalkeeper – prompting the referee to halt the game.
Perhaps the lengthy delay was what Atletico needed to build up additional determination to defend points in the game as they returned stronger after the forced break. Atletico's equalizer came dramatically deep into stoppage time as substitute Correa latched onto a loose ball to drive it past Courtois, concluding a swift counterattack.
Atletico captain Koke expressed his disapproval of his team's extreme supporters while admitting the potential fierceness of derbies. He said, "These derbies come with much pressure and intensity. Such events shouldn't occur in football. While we must recognize the professionalism required on the pitch, we also have to remember that the actions of a few shouldn't tarnish the reputation of the entire stadium."
Ancelotti Expresses Disappointment in Match Results, Praises Referee
Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelloti was disappointed that his team conceded deep into added time against Atletico on Sunday. He remarked that his side "deserved better" after dominating most of the game.
"It is hard to cope with a draw in which we were very close to winning. It is hard to cope with a draw in which we were very close to winning," Ancelotti said while speaking with reporters after the game.
"It can happen, the opponents are very strong and have a lot of quality. Their goal was at the last minute, it's a pity. We controlled the game well, we came close."
However, he remains positive about the points gained from a stadium they lost twice last season. "But I always like to think positive. We've won a point away from home and we are a point close (to Barcelona, who lost 4-2 at Osasuna the same day)."
Ancelotti also praised referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer for pausing the match until the situation was under control. However, the tactician dismissed the notion that the break contributed to Atletico's stronger return to the match.
“Obviously, none of us like the situation. Everyone wanted to play. The referee acted well,” Ancelotti concluded.
Looking Ahead
The derby’s outcome means Real Madrid now sits second in the La Liga table with 18 points, three behind leaders Barcelona, and two over Atletico, after eight matches. Both teams will now have to switch their attention to the continental stage as Real Madrid takes on Lille while Atletico slugs it out against Benfica in Portugal, both on Wednesday night.
On the domestic front, La Liga action returns for Real Madrid as they host Villareal on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 41 games, as Atletico takes on a trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday night.