Atletico Madrid forward Angel Correa delivered a dramatic equalizer in the 95th minute, securing a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in a chaotic La Liga derby on Sunday. With the game seemingly lost, Correa’s goal came after a tense wait for a VAR review, which ultimately ruled the Argentine onside. His perfectly timed run allowed Atletico to salvage a point in the final moments of the match.
Real Madrid, who appeared to be cruising toward victory after Antonio Rudiger’s bundled goal late in injury time, were left frustrated by Correa’s strike. The draw means both teams walk away with a point, but it’s Atletico Madrid who will feel more satisfied given the circumstances. Real Madrid’s attempt to secure a victory in a heated contest was dashed by Correa’s late heroics, leaving them with dropped points in a fiercely contested derby.
Atletico Madrid Reduced to 10 Men as Tensions Boil Over
The Madrid derby saw plenty of drama on and off the pitch, with tempers flaring throughout the match. Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente was sent off in the final minutes for a reckless foul on Real Madrid’s Fran Garcia. Llorente’s ugly challenge came at a critical point when Atletico Madrid were fighting to stay in the game, forcing them to play the last moments with just 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Atletico Madrid held on, and Correa’s late strike ensured they claimed a valuable point.
The red card was one of many flashpoints in a match filled with physical battles and intense rivalry. Atletico Madrid’s resilience, despite being down to 10 men, will be seen as a testament to their fighting spirit under coach Diego Simeone. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will rue their missed opportunity to capitalize on the extra man advantage and secure three points.
Simeone’s Criticism of Courtois’ Celebrations
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone did not hold back in his post-match comments, directing thinly-veiled criticism at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Simeone was displeased with Courtois’ celebration after Rudiger’s goal, accusing the Belgian of taunting Atletico Madrid fans. “You can celebrate a goal but not by looking at the fans, having a go, making gestures like that,” Simeone told DAZN, expressing his discontent with Courtois’ behavior.
Simeone also reminded fans that Courtois had previously been the target of fan anger when he played for Atletico Madrid, referencing past incidents where objects, including lighters, were thrown at the goalkeeper. The comments highlighted the lingering tension between the player and Atletico Madrid’s fanbase, further fueling the heated atmosphere surrounding the derby.
Injury Concerns for Courtois as Real Madrid Falter
Beyond the disappointment of the late equalizer, Real Madrid were dealt another blow with concerns over Thibaut Courtois’ fitness. The Belgian goalkeeper appeared to be struggling with a muscular issue towards the end of the match, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Courtois would be assessed for a possible injury, saying, “Courtois had a muscular issue, he’ll be looked at tomorrow.”
This potential injury could pose a significant problem for Real Madrid, who rely heavily on Courtois’ shot-stopping abilities. As they prepare for the next round of matches, Ancelotti’s side will be hoping for positive news regarding their first-choice goalkeeper, especially as they look to bounce back from this frustrating draw. Elsewhere in La Liga, Real Betis secured a narrow 1-0 win over Espanyol, Sevilla earned a late draw at Athletic Bilbao, and Girona played out a 1-1 stalemate with Celta Vigo.
