2024: A Tale of Blunders and Brilliance in the Madrid Derby
In a pulsating atmosphere that crackled with anticipation, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid served up a footballing feast that will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. The 2024 Copa del Rey quarter-final between these two bitter rivals was a roller coaster of emotions, with mistakes, moments of brilliance, and a dramatic finale that left the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium stunned into silence.
A First Half of Errors and Equalizers
The opening 45 minutes set the tone for a match that would be anything but ordinary. A calamitous error from Antonio Rüdiger gifted Atlético Madrid an early lead, as the German defender’s poor back pass allowed Ángel Correa to pounce and slot the ball past Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid, however, showed their resilience and quickly restored parity through a moment of individual brilliance from Karim Benzema. The French striker latched onto a long ball, shrugged off the attentions of two defenders, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Morata’s Goal and Lunin’s Blunder Ignite the Second Half
The second half began with Real Madrid in the ascendancy, and they soon found themselves in front. A mistake from Andriy Lunin, the Atlético Madrid goalkeeper, allowed Álvaro Morata to pounce on a loose ball and slot home from close range. The lead, however, was short-lived, as Atlético Madrid hit back with a stunning equalizer. José Luis Gayà’s cross found Joselu unmarked at the far post, and the striker made no mistake with a powerful header.
Griezmann’s Wonder Goal Breaks the Deadlock
As the match entered its final stages, it seemed destined for a penalty shootout. However, in the 100th minute, Antoine Griezmann produced a moment of magic that lit up the stadium. Vinícius Júnior’s attempted pass was intercepted by the Frenchman, who embarked on a mazy run, leaving Real Madrid defenders in his wake. With the ball glued to his feet, Griezmann cut inside and unleashed a thunderous shot that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any match, and it sent the Atlético Madrid fans into raptures.
Riquelme’s Late Strike Seals Atlético Madrid’s Triumph
Despite Griezmann’s heroics, Real Madrid refused to surrender. They threw everything they had at their city rivals, but the Atlético Madrid defense, marshalled by Stefan Savić and José Giménez, stood firm. With just minutes remaining on the clock, Atlético Madrid launched a devastating counterattack. Rodrigo Riquelme, who had come off the bench, received the ball on the right wing and drove towards the Real Madrid goal. He evaded the challenges of two defenders before unleashing a low shot that found its way into the bottom corner. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium fell silent, as Atlético Madrid secured a famous victory and a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Mistakes and Moments of Brilliance: A Match to Remember
The 2024 Copa del Rey quarter-final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will be remembered as a match that had it all. There were mistakes, moments of brilliance, and a dramatic finale that left the fans on the edge of their seats. While Real Madrid will be left to rue their missed opportunities, Atlético Madrid can celebrate a famous victory that will go down in the annals of this historic rivalry.
Full Match Report
First Half
- 3′ – Calamity for Real Madrid! Antonio Rüdiger’s poor back pass allows Ángel Correa to steal the ball and slot it past Thibaut Courtois. Atlético Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid.
- 15′ – Real Madrid respond! Karim Benzema latches onto a long ball, shrugs off two defenders, and fires a low shot into the bottom corner. Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético Madrid.
- 27′ – Real Madrid come close to taking the lead. Vinícius Júnior’s cross finds Karim Benzema in the box, but his header goes just wide of the post.
- 35′ – Atlético Madrid threaten on the counterattack. João Félix’s pass finds Ángel Correa, who fires a shot that is well saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Second Half
- 55′ – Real Madrid take the lead! Álvaro Morata pounces on a loose ball after a mistake from Andriy Lunin and slots home from close range. Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético Madrid.
- 65′ – Atlético Madrid equalize! José Luis Gayà’s cross finds Joselu unmarked at the far post, and the striker makes no mistake with a powerful header. Real Madrid 2-2 Atlético Madrid.
- 75′ – Real Madrid come close to retaking the lead. Luka Modrić’s free-kick finds Karim Benzema, but his header is well saved by Andriy Lunin.
- 85′ – Atlético Madrid come close to taking the lead. Antoine Griezmann’s shot from the edge of the box is well saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Extra Time
- 100′ – Antoine Griezmann produces a moment of magic! He intercepts Vinícius Júnior’s pass, embarks on a mazy run, and unleashes a thunderous shot that crashes off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. Atlético Madrid 3-2 Real Madrid.
- 115′ – Real Madrid come close to equalizing. Rodrygo’s cross finds Karim Benzema in the box, but his header is well saved by Andriy Lunin.
- 118′ – Atlético Madrid seal the victory! Rodrigo Riquelme receives the ball on the right wing, drives towards the Real Madrid goal, and unleashes a low shot that finds its way into the bottom corner. Atlético Madrid 4-2 Real Madrid.