2024: A Thrilling Derby Clash Between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid
In the realm of football, few rivalries are as captivating and intense as that between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. These two storied clubs, separated by just a few kilometers in the heart of the Spanish capital, have a history that is intertwined with moments of high drama, fierce competition, and unforgettable matches.
As the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League season reached its knockout stages, the stage was set for another chapter in this epic rivalry. Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, and Atlético Madrid, the underdogs with a point to prove, were drawn to face each other in the round of 16.
A Tale of Two Halves and a Griezmann Masterpiece
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was electric with anticipation as the two teams took to the pitch on a crisp February evening. The match started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out and trying to impose their game plan.
Real Madrid, with their star-studded lineup, were expected to dominate possession and create chances, but Atlético Madrid, under the astute guidance of manager Diego Simeone, were resolute in their defense, frustrating their opponents’ attacking efforts.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute when a mistake from Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger gifted Atlético Madrid the lead. Rüdiger’s poor clearance fell to Antoine Griezmann, who played a perfectly weighted pass to João Félix. The Portuguese forward made no mistake, slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give his side the advantage.
Real Madrid responded immediately. Just five minutes later, they were level. A long ball from Toni Kroos found Vinícius Júnior on the left wing. The Brazilian winger used his pace and skill to beat his marker and deliver a low cross into the box. Álvaro Morata was on hand to tap the ball home from close range, bringing the scores level.
The second half was even more entertaining than the first, with both teams attacking with purpose and creating numerous chances. Real Madrid took the lead for the first time in the 60th minute when Andriy Lunin, the Atlético Madrid goalkeeper, made a horrendous error. Lunin misjudged a backpass from Stefan Savić, allowing Morata to intercept the ball and score his second goal of the game.
Atlético Madrid refused to give up, and they equalized once again in the 85th minute. José Luis Morales, who had come on as a substitute, scored a stunning goal from outside the box, leaving Courtois with no chance. The goal sent the game into extra time.
Extra time was a tense and nervy affair, with both teams knowing that one mistake could prove costly. Real Madrid had the better chances, but they were unable to find a winning goal. As the clock ticked down, Atlético Madrid launched a counterattack, and Rodrigo Riquelme scored the winning goal in the 118th minute, sending his team into the quarter-finals.
Griezmann’s Moment of Brilliance
The match will be remembered for many reasons, but one moment that stands out is Antoine Griezmann’s stunning goal in extra time. The French forward received the ball on the right wing and took on three Real Madrid players before unleashing a thunderous shot that crashed off the crossbar and into the net. It was a goal that encapsulated Griezmann’s quality and his ability to produce moments of magic.
Mistakes Prove Costly
While Griezmann’s goal was a moment of brilliance, the match was also marred by a number of mistakes. Rüdiger’s poor clearance led to Atlético Madrid’s opening goal, while Lunin’s error gifted Real Madrid their second. These mistakes proved costly in the end, as they ultimately contributed to Atlético Madrid’s victory.
A Match to Remember
The derby clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid was a match that had it all: goals, drama, and controversy. It was a match that will live long in the memory of both sets of fans.
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Real Madrid 2-3 Atlético Madrid (AET)
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
February 22, 2024
Scorers:
- Atlético Madrid: João Félix (25′), José Luis Morales (85′), Rodrigo Riquelme (118′)
- Real Madrid: Álvaro Morata (30′, 60′)
Lineups:
Real Madrid:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, Federico Valverde
- Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo
Atlético Madrid:
- Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
- Defenders: Stefan Savić, José María Giménez, Reinildo Mandava
- Midfielders: Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, Marcos Llorente
- Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, João Félix, Ángel Correa
Substitutions:
Real Madrid:
- 65′: Eduardo Camavinga for Luka Modrić
- 75′: Marco Asensio for Rodrygo
- 85′: Mariano Díaz for Karim Benzema
Atlético Madrid:
- 60′: José Luis Morales for Ángel Correa
- 75′: Matheus Cunha for Marcos Llorente
- 90′: Rodrigo Riquelme for Koke