Kylian Mbappé ensured Real Madrid retained their position at the summit of La Liga by securing a 1-1 draw against city rivals Atlético Madrid on Saturday.
Julián Álvarez put Atlético in front in the first half with a contentious penalty, but Mbappé capitalised on an opportunity early in the second half to level the score. The French forward marked his first appearance in this fiercely contested derby with a crucial goal.
Real Madrid remain one point clear of second-placed Atlético, while Barcelona, currently in third, have the chance to close the gap when they take on Sevilla on Sunday.
“We have to keep pushing forward, we’re in the fight, and we’ll stay there until the end,” Álvarez told Movistar. Reflecting on his penalty, he admitted to feeling some nerves but was confident in his execution, describing it as an important goal for the team.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for an aggressive attacking setup, fielding Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes together rather than taking a more cautious approach. His star-studded frontline engaged in a physical battle, ensuring a tense and hard-fought opening half with few clear chances.
Vinícius came closest to breaking the deadlock for Madrid in the first period, dragging a shot wide when he managed to find space. However, it was Atlético who took the lead in controversial circumstances after a VAR intervention.
Midfielder Dani Ceballos escaped with just a booking for a reckless challenge on Pablo Barrios, much to Atlético’s frustration. Moments later, Real Madrid were left incensed when referee César Soto Grado awarded a penalty after Aurelien Tchouaméni accidentally stepped on Samuel Lino’s foot inside the box. Despite the ball already being beyond both players, the decision stood, further fuelling Real’s grievances with refereeing decisions after their recent complaints over officiating in their shock defeat last weekend.
Álvarez coolly converted the penalty with a cheeky Panenka, becoming the first player to score from the spot against Madrid in La Liga this season. The decision sparked fury among Madrid fans, who chanted accusations of corruption against the Spanish football federation.
Los Blancos responded shortly after the break when Rodrygo burst into the box from the right and delivered a low cross towards Bellingham. The England international’s shot was blocked, but Mbappé was on hand to slot home the rebound, marking his first derby appearance with a decisive goal.
Bellingham came agonisingly close to giving Madrid the lead on two occasions. He first struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a Vinícius cross, then directed another header straight at Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak, reacting in frustration as he kicked the post.
Madrid found more rhythm in the second half and pinned Atlético back, prompting Diego Simeone to make defensive adjustments, including withdrawing his son Giuliano, who had struggled to make an impact on the right wing.
Oblak remained a key figure for Atlético, making an important save to deny Vinícius after the Brazilian winger weaved through two defenders and unleashed a shot from a tight angle. The Slovenian goalkeeper also had to react quickly to a dangerous Rodrygo free-kick, which curled menacingly towards the far post.
As the match neared its conclusion, Madrid pressed for a winner. In the 90th minute, Fede Valverde played a precise through ball to Mbappé, but Oblak produced a brave low save to deny him. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the points were shared in an enthralling Madrid derby.
