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The La Liga title race had yet another twist in store for viewers early today as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano. Both teams created several chances in a hard-fought encounter that could have massive ramifications in the context of the title race.
Atletico Madrid dominated much of the game in their own backyard but were unable to put the game to bed despite a good performance. Real Madrid made their neighbours pay with a late goal but the draw has now given arch-rivals Barcelona a path to redemption as we approach the business end of the season.
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Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid exchanged jabs in the opening stages of the game but did not find it easy to create clear-cut chances. Atletico Madrid finally drew first blood after 15 minutes as Luis Suarez latched on to Marcos Llorente's pass and slotted an excellent finish past Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid dominated the ball after the opening goal but were lacking a final pass against Atletico Madrid. The hosts survived a penalty call at the stroke of half-time and finished the first half with a narrow lead.
Real Madrid were taken aback by Atletico Madrid's aggressive approach in the second half as Los Colchoneros created several chances and nearly doubled their lead on a couple of occasions. Yannick Carrasco and Marcos Llorente were the rioters-in-chief and could have killed the game off before the hour-mark.
Real Madrid seemed to pick up the pace after the hour-mark, however, as a series of substitutions handed Los Blancos the impetus. Karim Benzema had an excellent chance to level the scores for Real Madrid but was denied by some excellent work by Jan Oblak.
The French striker refused to be denied, however, and some excellent link-up play with Casemiro gave Karim Benzema his late equaliser. Both teams took a few potshots towards the end of the game but were unable to find a winner.
Atletico Madrid Player Ratings
Jan Oblak - 8/10
Jan Oblak had precious little to do in the first half but stepped up against Real Madrid as the game progressed. The Atletico Madrid shot-stopper made a stunning double save against Karim Benzema and was not at fault for the Frenchman's late goal.
Felipe - 7/10
Felipe was assured on the ball and thwarted Real Madrid on a number of occasions. The defender was confident against Karim Benzema and kept the striker for most of the game.
Stefan Savic - 7/10
Stefan Savic was a key component of Atletico Madrid's defensive lines and his physicality was an excellent asset against Real Madrid. Savic made a few important interventions and had a good game.
Mario Hermoso - 7/10
Mario Hermoso was a solid presence on the left and made several blocks towards the end of the game. The defender stayed in his own half for most of the game and repelled several Real Madrid attacks.
Kieran Trippier - 7.5/10
Kieran Trippier was a formidable opponent in the first half and harried Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy off the ball. The English full-back was exceptional on the flanks and had a positive outing.
Koke - 7/10
Koke played at his inspirational best against Real Madrid and was the beating heart of his side. The Atletico Madrid midfielder led his side's press from the front and had an excellent game.
Thomas Lemar - 6.5/10
Thomas Lemar served as an excellent outlet for the home side and threatened Real Madrid with his counter-attacking runs. The Frenchman also created a fair share of chances for Atletico Madrid in the second half.
Yannick Carrasco - 7/10
Yannick Carrasco tormented Real Madrid with his pace on the counter and got the better of Lucas Vazquez on several occasions. The Belgian winger could have scored a couple of goals in the second half but was unable to finish his chances.
Marcos Llorente - 7.5/10
Marcos Llorente was the link between the midfield and the attack for Atletico Madrid and bagged an excellent assist for the opening goal. Llorente was also involved in a series of forward forays in the second half and had a good game.
Angel Correa - 7/10
Angel Correa was positive with his runs throughout the game and caused Real Madrid's defence their fair share of problems. The Argentine attacker showed a commendable understanding of Luis Suarez's game and is proving to be an excellent asset.
Luis Suarez - 7.5/10
Luis Suarez seems to love playing against Real Madrid and scored the opener for the hosts with an exquisite finish. The Uruguayan also had a few delightful touches of the ball and was a constant menace.
Substitutes
Saul Niguez - 6.5/10
Saul Niguez was brought on in the second half to add an element of control to Atletico Madrid's game. The Spaniard often found himself in advanced positions on the pitch and gave a good account of his abilities.
Geoffrey Kondogbia - 6/10
Geoffrey Kondogbia was a late substitute and his unfortunate touch fortuitously played a part in Real Madrid's late goal.
Joao Felix - 6/10
Joao Felix replaced Angel Correa in the second half and posed a threat to Real Madrid on the counter.
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Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois - 6.5/10
Real Madrid's Belgian goalkeeper was beaten by Luis Suarez in the first half but proved his mettle after half-time. Courtois redeemed himself with a series of saves in the second half and kept his side in the game.
Raphael Varane - 5.5/10
Raphael Varane was beaten far too easily for Atletico Madrid and played Luis Suarez onside for the opening goal. The Real Madrid defender kept his guard up for the rest of the game but will be disappointed with his lapse in concentration.
Nacho - 6.5/10
Nacho put in a good shift against Atletico Madrid and seems to be an able replacement for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. The seasoned campaigner was astute with his positioning and made several important tackles.
Lucas Vazquez - 5.5/10
Lucas Vazquez struggled against the dynamic Yannick Carrasco and had a particularly difficult game against Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid's utility man did hold his own on a few occasions but will need to do better to keep his place in the side.
Ferland Mendy - 5.5/10
Ferland Mendy was a robust presence in his own half but struggled with Atletico Madrid's high press. The Real Madrid full-back failed to impose himself in the final third and was unable to play a part in his side's attacking plays.
Casemiro - 6.5/10
Casemiro was the driving force behind Real Madrid's forward forays and had a couple of attempts on goal. The Brazilian grabbed an excellent assist for the equaliser and continues to play a crucial role in Real Madrid's title bid.
Luka Modric - 6/10
Luka Modric was tidy in possession and played a few impressive cross-field passes. The Croatian midfielder did manage to create a few positive situations for Real Madrid but was unable to produce an assist.
Toni Kroos - 6/10
Like his midfield counterpart, Toni Kroos struggled to pick the lock that Atletico Madrid's defence presented at the Wanda Metropolitano. The German midfielder was slightly below the best and was unable to create chances of note.
Marco Asensio - 5.5/10
Like his attacking teammates, Marco Asensio was also unable to give Real Madrid a potent outlet in the final third. The Spaniard did manage a few inviting crosses but failed to produce a final product.
Rodrygo - 5/10
Rodrygo struggled to exert his influence on the game against a disciplined Atletico Madrid side. The Real Madrid youngster saw very little of the ball and was replaced by his compatriot Vinicius in the second half.
Karim Benzema - 7/10
Karim Benzema missed several chances for Real Madrid and was well below his best for most of the game. The French striker did come up with a magical moment towards the end of the game, however, and spared his side's blushes yet again.
Substitutes
Vinicius Junior - 5.5/10
Vinicius Junior came on for Rodrygo at the hour-mark and saw plenty of the ball on the left flank. The Brazilian was wasteful with his decision-making, however, and did not impress during his time on the pitch.
Federico Valverde - 6.5/10
Federico Valverde came on in the second half and did have a few good moments against Atletico Madrid. The Real Madrid midfielder tested Jan Oblak with a long-range effort and had a positive cameo appearance.
