Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid – Talking Points

Real Madrid dropped yet another two points in the league as they played a 1-1 draw with their city rivals Atletico Madrid. Real dominated possession as expected and took the lead in just the 9th minute of the match. Dani Carvajal’s superb work on the right flank and then a brilliant cross was met by a Karima Benzema, who guided a wonderful header past Jan Oblak. Atletico’s first chance came when Ramos committed a foul inside the penalty area. The resulting spot kick taken by Antoine Griezmann was saved spectacularly by Keylor Navas. Then as Real squandered chances to double their lead, an error from the substitute defender Arbeloa aided in Atletico’s equalising goal, with Vietto firing in from point blank range. Here are the five major talking points of the fiercest derby on the planet.

1) Ronaldo’s Miserable Night

The Real Madrid superstar didn’t have the slightest of impacts on the match, as he lost possession too easily too many times. The Portuguese winger had a night to forget, as Ronaldo failed to provide any support to Benzema or Isco when the latter were in scoring positions.

2) Dani Carvajal’s Injury

Real Madrid suffered yet another blow, as their in-form right back Dani Carvajal got injured in the match. With Madrid already missing the services of Pepe and Danilo due to injuries, Carvajal’s injury was the last thing that Madrid would have hoped for. Arbeloa, the replacement of Carvajal, was at fault for the goal Real conceded.

3) Keylor Navas’ Penalty Save

Sergio Ramos’ clumsy challenge on Tiago forced the referee to point straight to the spot. Atletico were losing 1-0 at that point, and were given a golden opportunity to equalise. But Griezmann’s penalty was wonderfully saved by Madrid’s new no. 1 Keylor Navas, who has certainly proved his worth to the team. 

4) Ronaldo’s Penalty Claim

In the dying moments of the game, a long hopeful ball from Marcelo was chased by Ronaldo, with Diego Godin on his heels. Ronaldo was clearly pushed on the back by the Uruguay defender, but the referee waved play on, dismissing any penalty claims by the Portuguese.

5) Atletico’s Fortress

With this draw, Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in six consecutive matches at the Vicente Calderon against Real Madrid now. This is one of the most successful streaks in Atletico’s history against their neighbours.