Real and Atlético drew 1-1 on Saturday in a match for the 23rd round of the Spanish football league, after which the ‘Meringues’ could fall 10 points behind leader FC Barcelona.
The ‘blanca’ team were unable to beat their rivals, despite more possession, more attacks, more chances on goal, more corner kicks and Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak who saved six shots on goal.
In addition to the greater effectiveness from the ‘colchoneros’ allowed them to take the lead in the 78th minuteby veteran Uruguayan center José Maria Giménez, who gave the best run, with a header into the penalty area, to a free kick taken by France international Antoine Griezmann.
However, Real Madrid managed to limit the damage by equalizing in the 85th minute, through an unlikely ‘savior’, 18-year-old Uruguayan Álvaro Rodriguez, who launched Carlo Ancelotti in the 77th minute, replacing defender Nacho Fernández, and who jumped higher than everyone else in the area to make it 1-1, after a corner taken by Germany’s Toni Kroos.
Atlético de Madrid played numerically inferior from the 64th minute, when the referee did not forgive the behavior of Argentine Angel Correa and showed him a direct red card.
With the two points lost, Real Madrid risks seeing their rivals FC Barcelona, who play in Almería on Sunday, extend their lead to 10 points if they beat their opponents, while Atlético are still fourth, with 42 .
In the other games already played this Saturday, the highlight was the victory of Cadiz, 14th overall, 1-0 against the sixth place, Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a goal from striker Sérgio Guardiola in the 74th minute, in addition to the goal of Espanyol. home win over Mallorca 2-1.
Matchday 23 continues today with the match between Valencia and Real Sociedad, in Estádio de Mestalla.
Source: DN
