Real Madrid has stumbled again against its feared opponents from their own city and is still only by the narrowest of margins at the top in Spain’s LaLiga. Against rivals Atlético Madrid on Sunday evening, the record champions conceded the equalizer to make the final score 1-1 (1-0) in stoppage time through Marcos Llorente (90th + 3). Brahim Diaz (20th) had previously put the front runner in the lead.
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Real had recently lost to Atlético in extra time in the round of 16 of the cup (2:4), and Atletico also inflicted their only defeat of the season in the league so far on the star ensemble in the first half of the season (1:3).
Real did not take advantage of the pursuer’s slip-up: FC Girona only played 0-0 against Real Sociedad San Sebastian on Saturday, but is now still two points behind. Next Saturday (6.30 p.m./DAZN) Real will welcome the surprise team for a direct duel; a defeat would mean losing their lead in the table.
Goalscorer Diaz was only brought into Real’s weakened starting eleven at short notice: Vinícius Júnior was withdrawn due to problems with his cervical spine, and Diaz then scored after some confusion in the penalty area. Toni Kroos was also involved in the development; Real’s 2014 world champion was on the pitch from the start. This did not apply to Antonio Rüdiger, who was missing due to a thigh injury.
Until recently, coach Carlo Ancelotti had hoped that the German international would play despite the injury because alternatives were rare: David Alaba and Eder Militão (both torn cruciate ligaments) were out for a long time, and substitute defender Aurelien Tchouaméni was suspended. Ultimately, full-back Daniel Carvajal moved into central defense despite the size disadvantage.
Atletico targeted this supposed weak point, relied on a lot of crosses, and the supposed equalizer came shortly after the break following a corner: However, the VAR recognized Stefan Savic’s header as offside. When the final whistle was very close, Atletico equalized – Llorente scored with a header.