Real Madrid were narrowly beaten in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano. A week after clinching a 35th league title, the champions couldn't find a way through against Atlético in a game that was decided by a penalty in the first half. The hosts began pressing high up the pitch and threatening Lunin's goal. In the fourth minute, a Correa cross was over-hit, sailing beyond the Ukrainian goalkeeper and, with eighth minutes on the clock, Carrasco drove into the area before firing wide.
Real Madrid gradually slowed down the Red and Whites' intense approach but were unable to create any clear chances in the opposition's penalty area. As the game wore on, the encounter remained evenly matched with a lack of openings for either side.
Rodrygo tested Oblak from distance with 36 minutes gone, shortly before VAR intervened to review Vallejo's challenge on Cunha, with the referee awarding a penalty that Carrasco converted (40'). The Whites came close to equalising before the break as Kroos tried his luck from the edge of the area and Jović had a shot saved by Oblak in stoppage time.
The first chance after the break also went the way of the Serbian frontman, whose 50th-minute effort was deflected away by Savić. Neither side was managing to dominate proceedings and the encounter became an end-to-end affair.
Griezmann and Carrasco both came close to doubling Atlético’s advantage, whilst Ancelotti’s men responded with two efforts in quick succession from Casemiro. The sides continued to exchange blows and Lunin denied Cunha, before Valverde, who had only just entered the fray, tried his luck with a long-range effort in the 68th minute.
Griezmann then had two clear-cut chances, before Carrasco’s shot struck the frame of the goal on 77’. The clock was ticking down and the game continued to be an open contest. Valverde again tested Oblak with a shot from distance, whilst Vini Jr. was giving the hosts’ backline something to think about with his surging runs down the left.
In the 87th minute, the Slovenian goalkeeper proved himself equal to Asensio’s free-kick. Madrid laid siege to the home side’s goal in the closing stages, but ultimately failed to find an equaliser. It’s now time to turn attentions to the last three games of the league campaign ahead of the Champions League final on 28 May.
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