Real vs Atletico: Real at the Top after Derby draw, show sign of peaking

Real-Madrid-Vs-Atletico-Madrid
Real-Madrid Vs Atletico-Madrid
Real-Madrid Vs Atletico-Madrid

Real Madrid looked solid in defensive and mid-field all of a sudden to deny Atletico Madrid any room to exploit. In fact, Real started aggressively and controlled first 20-25 minutes of the game. Casemero, Kross chased the ball and operated superbly, bridging the gaps between defence and attack. But then Atletico regained some control and Thomas and Koke operating effectively in midfield.

The draw at the Wanda Metropolitano has capped off a pretty decent week for the Real Madrid boss who was facing all sorts of questions after the loss at the Parc des Princes. In fact, Real Madrid is the only team, not to face loss after seven matches in this season of La Liga.

Both teams were more afraid of losing than hungry to win, treading water with a draw seemingly suiting them both. “We didn’t have clear chances and nor did they: neither of us risked very much,” Jan Oblak said at the final whistle, pretty much saying it all.

Atletico’s club record signing Felix sneaked in behind Madrid’s defence but dragged an effort across the face of goal, whistling another shot just wide towards the end of the first half. He made some raw movement but caught between tight midfield and defence. Several time those balls for Felix, got intercepted by Real Madrid, while Felix was waiting for it to arrive. The alert Real defence must have made Atletico’s new recruit much frustrated.

By large, this was real improvement in performance by every section of Real Madrid game. Bale, Benzema and Hazard operated in tandem to keep pressure on Atletico defence. Real’s Sergio Ramos and Atletico’s Kieran Trippier were each lucky to avoid bookings for cynical fouls on Joao Felix and Eden Hazard respectively. Both the teams have shown very strong defence and the goalies were not tested, barring very few occasions.

Oblak made one solid save to tip Toni Kroos’s low drive around the post. The closest anyone came was Benzema, whose header from Nacho’s cross found Oblak diving full length to make a sharp save.

The Atletico Madrid bench were outraged that Sergio Ramos came out unpunished for abusing a linesman during the Madrid derby on Saturday night.

Tempers flared during the goalless draw and climaxed at late first half. Simeone went straight to the assistant and insisted that Ramos should be punished for his actions.

El Cholo’s gesticulations were so strong that referee Jose Luis Gonzalez Gonzalez had to come over to the side line to calm the Atletico boss down. Atletico Boss has the Diego Costa experience fresh in his mind, against Barcelona earlier this year. Atletico forward faced severe suspension for similar nasty comments on match officials.

 

Team

Head to Head

After Match

Zidane’s side had the better chances in the high stakes Madrid derby, and the Frenchman believes his side did enough to win the game against their city rivals.

“We played with intensity and strength. “It was a strong performance, and we did not concede any chances to the opposition.

“We lacked creativity in attack, but I am happy with the performance.“But I think we created enough to win the game, and that is frustrating.“We deserved more, but I have to congratulate the players on a good performance.”

Real Madrid are now unbeaten in their last seven La Liga games against Diego Simeone’s side.