Real Madrid’s title ambitions were harmed further after being held at the Bernabeu by 10-man opponents Atletico Madrid. Jose Gimenez scored for the visitors shortly after Angel Correa was sent off for elbowing Antonio Rudiger. Atletico Madrid’s draw at the Bernabeu hurt Real Madrid’s title ambitions
Real got a point thanks to Alvaro Rodriguez’s debut goal for the club. The host trail leaders Barcelona by seven points, and they play on Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated the first half, but clear-cut chances were scarce before the break.
Atletico Madrid’s draw at the Bernabeu hurt Real Madrid’s title ambitions
At one end, Marco Asensio stung Jan Oblak’s palms, while at the other, Yannick Carrasco blasted straight at Thibaut Courtois as both sides fought to find a way through. After catching Rudiger in the chest with a swinging arm in the second half, half-time substitute Correa was awarded a straight red card.
As Real struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage, substitute Gimenez nodded Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick into the corner, putting the visitors within minutes of their first victory at the Bernabeu since 2016. But Rodriguez leapt highest to head Luka Modric’s corner past Oblak with five minutes remaining, becoming the 21st-youngest century player to score in a Madrid derby.
In the last stages, Eduardo Camavinga put Oblak to the test, but Atletico held on to pull two points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis. With a win over Almeria on Sunday, Barcelona can take a ten-point lead at the top of La Liga.
Diego Simeone’s 612th game as Atletico Madrid manager in all competitions equaled the late Luis Aragones’ club record. Atletico confirmed after the game that left-back Reinildo had an anterior cruciate ligament tear in a first-half collision with Federico Valverde, thereby ending his season.
