The first Derbi Madrileño of the La Liga 2024-25 season delivered all the fireworks fans expected, with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid battling it out in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Metropolitano Stadium. Defending champions Real Madrid were denied all three points when Angel Correa’s stoppage-time goal secured a dramatic equaliser for a 10-man Atletico Madrid, capping off a match filled with drama, intense moments, and late surprises.
A Strong Start for Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid came into this clash with determination, knowing that their city rivals Real Madrid were on an impressive run. Diego Simeone’s men didn’t take long to make their presence felt. In the 20th minute, Antoine Griezmann, always a thorn in Madrid’s side, opened the scoring for the home team with a superb header, sending the passionate Atletico fans into a frenzy.
The goal came after Atletico took control of the game’s tempo early on, with Saul and Koke dictating the midfield and creating dangerous opportunities for their forwards. Griezmann’s goal was a result of a quick build-up play, with Saul providing an inch-perfect cross for the Frenchman to nod home.
Real Madrid’s Response: Vinicius Jr. and Joselu Strike
As expected, Real Madrid didn’t take long to respond. Just eight minutes later, Vinicius Junior displayed his trademark flair and finesse by weaving past defenders and curling a shot past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Brazilian star’s equaliser showed exactly why he’s considered one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. The match was now finely balanced at 1-1.
Real Madrid started to dominate possession, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga controlling the midfield and keeping Atletico on the back foot. Carlo Ancelotti’s men, sensing an opportunity, continued to press forward. In the 55th minute, Joselu, Madrid’s in-form striker, pounced on a rebound inside the box, calmly slotting home to give Real Madrid a 2-1 lead.
Atletico Madrid Down to 10 Men
The second half, however, took an unexpected turn when Atletico Madrid were reduced to 10 men. Defender Mario Hermoso was shown a second yellow card after a clumsy challenge on Dani Carvajal, leaving Atletico to face the final 20 minutes with a man down. At this point, it seemed Real Madrid would cruise to victory, given their numerical advantage and their control of the game.
But Atletico Madrid’s resilience under Simeone is legendary. Despite being a man down, Atletico remained resolute, defending as a unit while looking for opportunities to hit Real Madrid on the counter.
Angel Correa: The Late Hero
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it appeared that Real Madrid would leave the Metropolitano with all three points. However, Atletico had other plans. In the 93rd minute, Angel Correa, introduced as a substitute in the second half, found himself in the right place at the right time. A set-piece situation saw the ball fall to Correa inside the box, and the Argentine forward calmly finished past a helpless Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-2.
The Atletico fans erupted in celebration as Correa’s goal secured a vital point in what was a hard-fought derby. For Real Madrid, it was a bitter pill to swallow, as they had come so close to securing victory before being denied at the death.
FAQs
Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa scored for Atletico Madrid, while Vinicius Junior and Joselu were on target for Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid’s defender Mario Hermoso was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Dani Carvajal, reducing his team to 10 men.
Despite being down to 10 men, Angel Correa scored a stoppage-time equaliser to level the match at 2-2 and secure a point for Atletico Madrid.
The draw denied Real Madrid three points, but they remain at the top of the La Liga standings.
The next Derbi Madrileño will take place later in the season at Real Madrid’s home stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu.
Conclusion: A Derby That Lived Up to Expectations
The 2024-25 Derbi Madrileño was a true spectacle of football, showcasing the grit and determination of both Madrid sides. Real Madrid will rue the missed opportunity to take all three points, especially after having a man advantage for the final stages of the game. However, Atletico Madrid’s resilience and Correa’s late heroics will be remembered as they snatched a point from the jaws of defeat.
For Carlo Ancelotti and his men, the draw keeps them at the top of La Liga, but the result serves as a reminder that in football, nothing is certain until the final whistle. For Diego Simeone, this draw will feel like a victory, as his side battled against the odds to earn a crucial point.
As the La Liga season continues, this draw only adds more fuel to the intense rivalry between these two clubs. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the next encounter, hoping for more drama and excitement in what is always a must-watch fixture.
