Real Madrid remains on top of La Liga after a tense 1-1 draw against Atlético de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite falling behind after a penalty converted by Julián Álvarez, Los Blancos responded quickly in the second half, with Mbappé securing the equalizer. The result keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the lead with 50 points, just one ahead of their city rivals. Barcelona, still in the chase, has 45.
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Atlético de Madrid was lethal during the first half of the game. This was a derby that started with Real Madrid patiently trying to control and find spaces in the opponent's defense. But it was Atlético de Madrid that struck first, as Lino's deflected shot went just wide. The response came from Rodrygo, who tried from distance and Vini Jr., who let loose a powerful left-footed strike. However, the defensive strategy from Atleti worked, and in the 34th minute, a reviewed penalty call through VAR gave them the advantage. Julián Álvarez converts with precision and makes it 1-0.
It was a setback that increased the pressure from the home side. Nonetheless, Oblak kept Atlético ahead until the first half ended.
Real Madrid responded quickly
Just five minutes into the second half, Real Madrid showed they were not ready to leave empty-handed. Down the right flank, Rodrygo drove into the box and cut a low cross into it. After some scrapping in the box, the ball fell to Mbappé, who clinically made it all square.
This was the goal that lit up the Bernabéu, and the home team stepped up the attacks. A great play down the left by Vini Jr. found Bellingham in the box, but the shot by the Englishman hit the crossbar. Soon after, another header by Bellingham was saved by Oblak after a precise cross by Ceballos.
The final minutes were pure drama. Rodrygo and Vini Jr. kept pushing forward, but Oblak came up with key stops to keep Atlético level and secure a valuable point.
Mbappé remains unstoppable
If Real Madrid stayed on top, a big part of it was thanks to their marquee signing. With his goal in the derby, Mbappé reached 16 goals in La Liga, making him the league's second-top scorer, only trailing Lewandowski – 18. In total, the French forward has scored 23 goals in 35 games in the 2024/25 season, leading the team's scoring charts.
Oblak was Atlético's wall
Of course, Real Madrid had their chances to win, but the visitors had Jan Oblak. At least three times during the second half, the Slovenian goalkeeper came up big and frustrated the dire attack of Madrid; at least, a valuable point for Diego Simeone's side was consolidated. Thanks to this form of the goalkeeper, Atlético remained in the title race, with great preparation for the serious battle ahead.