Barcelona will like this! Both their rivals in the title race, the Madrid giants, Real and Atletico, shared spoils at Santiago Bernabeu – 1-1. During the first half, each team had periods of good performance, though Atleti managed to materialize theirs with Julian Alvarez’s opener from the spot, while Los Blancos didn’t have a single attempt on target!However, after the break, Atletico’s only idea was to defend their goal, and even Kylian Mbappe’s quick leveller (50th minute) did not change their approach and Diego Simeone’s strategy. And it worked! Thanks to the magnificent Jan Oblak in goal and the crossbar on one occasion, Atleti managed to salvage a draw and snatch a vital point from Santiago Bernabeu.FT: #RealMadridAtleti 1-1🤝 All square in the Madrid Derby as the #LALIGAEASPORTS title race intensifies! pic.twitter.com/0DnHbH4jQY— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 8, 2025 Perhaps they were overwhelmed with emotions since their legend Marcelo came to say goodbye after deciding to hang up the boots, but Real Madrid were way too mild from the beginning of the derby. The opening quarter of an hour brought a few attempts by Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Atletico’s Samuel Lino, with Diego Simeone’s crew being much more courageous.Big news for Madridistas – Vini and Real Madrid are talkingThe following 15 minutes were a period of home team’s (futile) dominance, which ended in the 35th minute with a penalty for Atletico! Aurelien Tchouameni – once again playing in the centre-back position – recklessly tackled Lino in the box and VAR had no dilemma, pointing to the spot for the first time against Los Blancos this season in La Liga. Julian Alvarez easily sent the spot kick home, giving his side an enormous advantage ahead of the break, while Carlo Ancelotti’s team had no attempts on target!JULIAN ALVAREZ GOAL !!! HE IS DUNKING ON REAL MADRID AGAIN !!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/A2biM4CeqY— ⚡️🇧🇼 (@Priceless_MCI) February 8, 2025 Still, it took only five minutes to the King to respond! Rodrygo found Jude Bellignham inside the area and, although the Englishman’s effort was blocked, the rebound came to Kylian Mbappe, who didn’t hesitate, sending a first-touch strike into the net – 1-1! Only a minute later, Bellignham could have turned the tables, but his close-range header crashed against the bar. Regardless, Atletico were on the ropes!Mbappe’s goal! pic.twitter.com/aBWrAzSSES— Rey (@ReyLaMadrid) February 8, 2025 During those moments, Atleti’s flanks were highly vulnerable, as the midfielder had another chance after a good cross and a header, but Jan Oblak was cautious. Although there were almost 30 minutes left on the clock, Simeone opted for an all-out-defence tactic, relying on hasty counterattacks and his custodian’s capabilities. The risk was huge. After all, at the break, Los Blancos were without a single shot on target. Half an hour later, they had as many as eight!Sergio Ramos breaks rules so he can wear number 93. But why that number after all?Yet, even that was not enough to Los Blancos to make a complete comeback and triumph over the city rivals. Following this draw, Barcelona will be the most satisfied, as the Catalans could reduce the gap to one point from the second-placed Atletico and two from the table-toppers, Real Madrid, if they beat Sevilla tomorrow (23.00)LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 23Friday Rayo Vallecano – Valladolid 1-0 (0-0)/Garcia 71/Saturday Celta – Betis 3-2 (0-2)/Beltran 63, Rodriguez 65, Swedberg 87 – Antony 10, Llorente 22/Ath.Bilbao – Girona 3-0 (2-0)/Sancet 42 pen, 45+1, 79/Las Palmas – Villarreal 1-2 (0-0)/Fuster 84 – Baena 53, Perez 66/Real Madrid – Atl.Madrid 1-1 (0-1)/Mbappe 50 – Alvarez 35 pen/Sunday 16.00: (2.35) Alaves (2.95) Getafe (3.60)18.15: (1.80) Valencia (3.50) Leganes (5.40)20.30: (1.60) Sociedad (3.60) Espanyol (6.50)23.00: (5.90) Sevilla (4.20) Barcelona (1.55)Monday 23.00: (2.10) Mallorca (3.20) Osasuna (4.20)***odds are subject to change***
