Real Madrid looked set to take a significant step towards winning this season's La Liga title, but a late equalizer from Atletico Madrid ensured they left the Santiago Bernabeu with a point, with the match ended 1-1.
Blancos were without Antonio Rudiger for the match, and Vinicius Junior was also left out of the starting lineup late after taking a shot in the warm-up. However, it was the latter's replacement who scored the opening goal, and as it turned out, the winner.
The ball cleared several players in the Atleti box before falling into the path of Brahim Diaz. The 24-year-old showed an ice-cold composure to throw the ball past Jan Oblak from close range, in what was the decisive moment of the game at the 20th minute.
Atleti thought they had equalized minutes into the second half after Stefan Savic headed home Antoine Griezmann's corner, but the goal was ruled out as Saul Niguez – who was offside – was adjudged to have been involved in the block of Andriy Lunin.
The game opened up late on when Atleti pushed for an equaliser, and they found it in the 93rd minute. Memphis Depay's header was not dealt with by the Real Madrid defence, which allowed Marcos Llorente to pass Lunin through the bottom of the crossbar.
EQUALIZE ATHLETES! 😱
In stoppage time, Marcos Llorente leveled against Real Madrid to share the points in El Derbi 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/3OUC2FEbjA
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 4, 2024
MARCOS LLORENTE EQUALIZE FOR ATHLETES VS. REAL MADRID WITH A MINUTE DONE IN STOPPAGE TIME 😱 pic.twitter.com/32hnzbTx1O
– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 4, 2024
The result means that Real Madrid extends its advantage over Girona, but only on points. Atletico Madrid stay fourth, 10 points from their city rivals.
