Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid
It was honours even in the Madrid derby tonight as Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid did a professional job on their hosts to frustrate Los Blancos’ fans no end.
There were more than just three points riding on this game as 79,000 packed into the Santiago Bernabeu, with a place at the top of La Liga up for grabs for Julen Lopetegui’s team. The earlier La Liga 2018 results had upped the stakes—leaders Barcelona faltering again and drawing at home to Athletic Bilbao—which meant Atletico could draw level with the Catalans with a win, while Los Blancos could go ahead of the champions.
But the result also means Atletico keep hold of the local bragging rights, unbeaten in five against their rivals. And with Barca stuttering, the La Liga 2018 odds on both Madrid teams could fall a touch in the coming days.
Highlights of the game
Antoine Griezmann has got under Sergio Ramos’ skin with his claims that he will challenge for the Ballon d’Or this season, as well as mocking the Los Blancos skipper after Atletico’s ICC victory over their rivals. And Ramos was clearly delighted when his keeper Thibaut Courtois made a great save to deny the Frenchman when he was through on goal early in the game.
Los Blancos then came close at the other end as Toni Kroos crossed for Gareth Bale, but the striker’s effort skidded back across goal and away to safety. The hosts had the lion’s share of the possession in the first half but Atletico had the better chances, and Diego Costa tested Courtois with a fierce angled drive only for the ex-Chelsea stopper to get a crucial hand to it.
Just before the break, Courtois’ opposite number got away with one. Jan Oblak whacked a clearance straight at Marco Asensio, but to his immense relief the ball bounced back into his arms and the halftime score remained 0-0.
Lopetegui rung a change with his halftime substitution, bringing on Daniel Ceballos to replace Gareth Bale—it seems the Welshman had a slight muscle injury which the manager didn’t want to aggravate.
Ceballos had an impact and almost provided a goal for Asensio with a beautiful ball in from the left, but Oblak saved brilliantly.
Costa hadn’t had the best of nights and was hooked by Simeone on 70 minutes, to be replaced by defensive midfielder Thomas Partey. And that seemed to signal that the Atletico boss was happy to see the game out for a draw.
Real pressed as Los Rojiblancos sat back, with Asensio getting in good positions on the flank, but the visitors’ defence, led by Diego Godin, worked well to clear his crosses. While the time ticked away, Ramos made his way into the Atletico penalty area as the balls reigned in on Oblak’s goal, but the Atletico defence stood firm.
Key statistics
With 65 percent possession and 15 shots to eight, Los Blancos had enough of this game to win it. However, they simply couldn’t break down Atletico’s resistance. Los Rojiblancos are now unbeaten in five Madrid derbies, with both La Liga meetings last season ending in a draw.
Simeone’s defence was resolute and uncompromising, making 30 clearances and committing 17 fouls, ten more than their courteous hosts!
In the end, it was a good day for the keepers and defences, and a welcome point for Atletico who are now just two points off the top places occupied by Real and Barca.
What’s next?
After Los Blancos’ midweek humiliation in Seville, this was an improvement. They certainly didn’t look like conceding in the second half but couldn’t find the killer touch.
Real Madrid now have two stiff challenges on tour this week, first to Moscow to play CSKA who scored a 95th-minute goal to snatch a draw against Plzen in their Champions League opener. Lopetegui’s team could do with at least a draw there to keep up their progress in Group G, and you can keep up with all the European football news right here at SBOBET.
Then it’s Alaves away in La Liga. Head coach Abelardo has led the Basque team to a fine start, winning 11 points from the first six games, and they are fast becoming an established top-flight club.
Atletico have two home games to look forward to, both testing but winnable, as Club Brugge arrive in Madrid for a Champions League fixture before Real Betis visit them in La Liga next weekend.
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