30 september 2024 : Atletico Madrid’s Ángel Correa scored a last-minute equalizer against Real Madrid, securing a 1-1 draw in a tense LaLiga derby on Sunday that was interrupted for over 20 minutes due to unruly behavior from home fans.
The match was halted in the 69th minute, just five minutes after Real’s Eder Militao put his team ahead, when Atletico supporters threw objects onto the pitch, prompting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to notify the referee.
After a lengthy delay, play resumed, and Atletico intensified their efforts. Correa netted the equalizer in the fifth minute of added time, converting from close range after a counterattack.
Following this match, Real sits second in the league with 18 points, three behind Barcelona and two ahead of Atletico, who are in third place after eight games.
“It was a very intense moment. Such behavior is unacceptable in football,” said Atletico captain Koke regarding the incident. “We are professionals, and we have to be intelligent. However, a few individuals shouldn’t tarnish the reputation of the entire stadium.”
With Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to injury, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a stronger midfield by starting Luka Modric, nearing 40 years old.
This adjustment led to a more balanced squad that controlled the game but struggled to convert that dominance into goals. A significant challenge for Real this season has been replacing Tony Kroos, who retired in July.
As Modric ages and Jude Bellingham plays in an attacking role, Federico Valverde stepped up to fill Kroos’s playmaking void. Valverde was instrumental in Real’s attacks, frequently distributing the ball to Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, or Bellingham while also taking shots himself.
Valverde nearly scored three times in a first half where Atletico struggled to counter effectively. After halftime, Atletico became more dynamic with the introduction of speedy winger Samuel Lino.
Just as Atletico appeared closer to scoring, Vinicius Jr. crossed from the left to an unmarked Militao at the far post, who controlled the ball and fired a powerful half-volley past Jan Oblak.
As Real celebrated the goal, objects began raining down onto the pitch, prompting referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer to pause the game and send the players to the dressing rooms, warning that the match could be abandoned if the behavior persisted.
Once play resumed, Atletico maintained pressure, with Real substitute Endrick nearly doubling the lead in the 89th minute with a long-range shot that missed the target. However, moments later, Atletico equalized through Correa, who capitalized on a pass from Javi Galan, eluding Courtois to score in the empty net.
Atletico finished the match with ten players after Marcos Llorente received a red card for a tackle from behind on Fran Garcia.
