Mbappé Equaliser Keeps Real Madrid on Top After Draw with Atlético.
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 แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ 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.