2024: A Thrilling Derby Clash Between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid
A Tale of Two Halves: Mistakes Galore and Moments of Brilliance
In a pulsating derby clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid served up a spectacle of errors and moments of brilliance, ultimately ending in a dramatic quarter-final berth for Atlético.
First Half: Blunders Lead to Parity
The opening half commenced with an air of caution as both teams sought to establish control and stifle their opponents’ attacking threats. However, individual mistakes soon became the defining narrative.
In a moment of carelessness, Antonio Rüdiger misjudged a back pass, allowing João Félix to intercept and set up Ángel Correa for a clinical finish, handing Atlético an early advantage.
Real Madrid responded with a flurry of attacks, but it was a mistake from Jan Oblak that gifted them an equalizer. The Slovenian goalkeeper fumbled a seemingly harmless cross, allowing Karim Benzema to tap in from close range and restore parity.
Second Half: Madness Ensues as Goals Flow Freely
The second half unfolded as a chaotic affair, with both teams trading blows and errors aplenty.
Álvaro Morata, capitalizing on a blunder from Andriy Lunin, put Real Madrid ahead once more, slotting home after the Ukrainian goalkeeper spilled a routine save.
Atlético refused to wilt, and their persistence paid off when Joselu rose highest to head home a cross from Yannick Carrasco, leveling the scores once again and sending the game into extra time.
Extra Time: Griezmann’s Brilliance and Riquelme’s Decisive Strike
As the game entered extra time, the tension and drama intensified. Real Madrid pushed forward in search of a winner, but it was Atlético who struck the decisive blow.
A misplaced pass from Vinícius Júnior allowed Antoine Griezmann to seize possession, and the Frenchman unleashed an unstoppable thunderbolt from the edge of the box, crashing off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.
Real Madrid threw everything they had at Atlético in a desperate attempt to equalize, but the resolute defense of Diego Simeone’s men held firm.
In the dying moments, Atlético launched a swift counterattack, catching Real Madrid off guard. Rodrigo Riquelme, introduced as a late substitute, raced onto a through ball and coolly slotted it past Thibaut Courtois, sealing Atlético’s passage into the quarter-finals.
Conclusion: A Night of High Drama and Contrasting Fortunes
The final whistle sparked jubilation among the Atlético faithful, while Real Madrid players and fans were left to rue their missed opportunities and costly mistakes.
The game will be remembered for its rollercoaster of emotions, individual errors, moments of brilliance, and the contrasting fortunes of two fierce rivals.
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Real Madrid 2-3 Atlético Madrid (AET)
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
February 24, 2024
Goals:
- Atlético Madrid: Ángel Correa (10′), Joselu (87′), Antoine Griezmann (100′), Rodrigo Riquelme (118′)
- Real Madrid: Karim Benzema (25′), Álvaro Morata (62′)
Starting Lineups:
Real Madrid:
- Thibaut Courtois (GK)
- Dani Carvajal
- Antonio Rüdiger
- Éder Militão
- David Alaba
- Luka Modrić
- Toni Kroos
- Federico Valverde
- Vinícius Júnior
- Karim Benzema
- Rodrygo
Atlético Madrid:
- Jan Oblak (GK)
- Nahuel Molina
- Stefan Savić
- José Giménez
- Reinildo
- Koke
- Geoffrey Kondogbia
- Thomas Lemar
- Ángel Correa
- Antoine Griezmann
- João Félix
Substitutions:
Real Madrid:
- Eduardo Camavinga for Toni Kroos (75′)
- Marco Asensio for Rodrygo (80′)
- Mariano Díaz for Karim Benzema (90′)
Atlético Madrid:
- Yannick Carrasco for Ángel Correa (65′)
- Rodrigo Riquelme for Koke (90′)
- Matheus Cunha for João Félix (105′)
Yellow Cards:
- Real Madrid: Luka Modrić (35′), Vinícius Júnior (95′)
- Atlético Madrid: Geoffrey Kondogbia (42′), Stefan Savić (70′)
Red Cards:
- None
Attendance:
81,000