Santiago Bernabeu
(The Post News)- During a cagey derby against Atletico, Kylian Mbappe earned a point for Real Madrid. The highlight of a Madrid derby that fell short of its promise of a fierce match was a goal each from Kylian Mbappe and Julian Alvarez, the sides’ high-priced forwards.
Atletico Madrid’s opposition to Real Madrid’s referee-pressuring tactics, a heated first leg in which Rojiblancos supporters threw food items at Thibaut Courtois, and, of course, the team’s lead in the LALIGA title race made tonight’s match sure to be one for the record books. At home, viewers were sitting back with popcorn bowls on their laps, anticipating drama. However, the game fell short of expectations, and even the Real Madrid players in attendance only mildly objected to Alvarez’s opening goal from a contentious penalty.
Mbappe’s goal occurred early enough in the second half to give one reason to anticipate a barrage from the home team, but not even the boisterous Bernabeu could liven up the cagey match; the only white-corner players who bothered to throw fists were Bellingham and Vinicius. Both teams appeared to be content with the “No victor, no vanquished” outcome after the game ended in a draw.
The low-decibel exchange of pleasantries after the game was perhaps low enough to hear chants from distant Catalonia, the region of the night’s real champions, Barcelona, whose supporters were given the greatest possible treatment. Barcelona currently controls their LALIGA futures as a result of the draw. They will fall one point behind Atletico and two behind the league-leading Merengues if they defeat Chidera Ejuke’s Sevilla tomorrow.
During the first few exchanges, both sides cautiously felt each other out. Vinicius Junior and Samuel Lino’s speculative attempts, both of which missed the mark, were the only early sparks. However, just after the interval, referee Cesar Soto Grado gave Atletico Madrid a controversial penalty, which drastically changed the course of the match. Julian Alvarez sang a charming Panenka while remaining composed.
Atletico remained dangerous, especially when attacking back. After the half, though, Real Madrid came roaring back to life, and Jude Bellingham’s advanced role caused the Atletico defense to struggle. Following Jan Oblak’s save of the England international’s first attempt, Kylian Mbappe scored the equalizer by jumping on the rebound.
With their momentum now well established, Real Madrid came close to scoring an early goal, but Bellingham’s header struck the crossbar. Wave after wave of attackers smashed into the Atletico defense as the hosts kept applying more and more pressure. With a series of incredible saves, including an incredible one-handed stop to deny Vinicius Junior, Oblak showed that he was an unbreakable force.
Real Madrid tried for a late winner as the clock was running down, but Rodrygo’s attempt went painfully wide of the post. Atletico ultimately earned a hard-fought point for their perseverance.
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