Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Real Madrid remain top of La Liga with a late equalizer in a ferociously contested derby with Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.
The visitors, who came into the match with a three point advantage, got off to the fast start through Karim Benzema’s early goal. But Atletico came storming back and by half-time were deservedly in front with Koke and then a stunning long-range effort from Gabi finding the target. They were eight minutes away from getting a victory to move them back to the top when Madrid, who came on strongly late on, hauled secured a share of the points through Ronaldo’s clinical finish.
On the balance of play, it was arguably a just scoreline, but it came after a host of controversial decisions. In what now holds a strong claim to be the most intense derby in Europe, the match more than lived up to its billing with tempers heated on the pitch, in the stands as well as on the sidelines.
For Atletico it was a return to form after fatigue had understandably had appeared to set in in recent weeks. Diego Simeone’s side looked to have benefited from having their first midweek off in 2014 coming into the match. Madrid did not have that luxury, having beaten Schalke 6-1 in Germany. And Carlo Ancelotti will surely be contented at taking away a point that will keep his side ahead of the chasing pack, no matter what Barcelona do later in the day. In match that could have gone either way, his side have maintained their incredible momentum and will take some stopping this season.
More to follow.
Atletico Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid (All Goals... by ourmatch
VIDEO Real Madrid 2-2 Atletico Madrid: Highlights; Late Ronaldo Goal Cancels Out Stunning Gabi Strike
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