Late Correa Equalizer Salvages 1-1 Draw for Atletico in Dramatic Madrid Derby

Match halted for 15 minutes as Atletico fans throw objects onto the field

Ángel Correa’s stoppage-time equalizer secured a 1-1 draw for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid in a tense La Liga derby that was overshadowed by fan unrest. The match, held at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, was interrupted for over 15 minutes after fans threw objects onto the field following Real Madrid’s opening goal by Éder Militão in the 64th minute.

Correa’s goal, initially disallowed for offside, was awarded after a video review five minutes into added time, ensuring Atletico claimed a point. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism despite the result, as his side moved within three points of league leaders Barcelona, who suffered a 4-2 defeat to Osasuna the previous day. Atletico, now third, trails Madrid by two points.

The game turned chaotic after Militão’s goal celebration near the sideline, sparking outrage among Atletico fans. Objects, including lighters, were hurled onto the pitch, prompting Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to alert the referee.

Players were sent to the locker rooms, and Atletico defender José María Giménez, midfielder Koke Resurrección, and coach Diego Simeone attempted to calm the fans.

Simeone condemned the fan behavior but acknowledged that the players’ actions may have contributed to the tension. “What the fans did wasn’t right, but we are not helping when we provoke them,” he said.

The match resumed after a message over the stadium’s loudspeakers warned that continued disruptions would lead to its suspension. The controversy followed the Spanish league’s request for police action against a social media campaign promoting racist behavior targeting Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, which had called on Atletico fans to wear masks to evade identification.

See also  Transfer gossip: Spurs ‘running risk’ of Chelsea move for Kane; City plot £34m Liverpool hijack

Adding to the drama, Atletico’s Marcos Llorente was sent off during stoppage time, leaving Atletico to finish the match with 10 men.

Similar Posts:

2 Comments on “Late Correa Equalizer Salvages 1-1 Draw for Atletico in Dramatic Madrid Derby”

Leave a Reply