Real Madrid 1 Atletico Madrid 1: Ronaldo and Griezmann score apiece to wrap up a draw at the Bernabeu

Griezmann after cancelling out Ronaldo’s goal (Sergio Perez/Reuters)

Match Report
08/04/2018

Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener was cancelled out by Atletico’s Griezmann, as both the sides settled for a draw in the 161st Madrid Derby at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid had a slim chance of catching La Liga leaders FC Barcelona in the title hopes as Atletico Madrid will be much happier with the result, as it solidifies the chances of finishing above their bitter rivals in the league.
Madrid made four changes from their win over Juventus during the week. Bale, Asensio, Vazquez and Kovacic all came into the side as Casemiro, Modric and Benzema all were dropped into the bench.
Los Rojiblancos made two changes from their Europa League win over Sporting CP. Gabi and Correa are replaced by Vitolo and Partey in the midfield.
A stereotypical Madrid derby where Real Madrid dominated the ball, and both Jan Oblak and Keylor Navas were in full God-mode as the keepers managed to keep the score sheet tied at full-time.
Both Real and Atletico endured a goalless streak at the break, although Real Madrid had came the closest to breaking the deadlock. Marcelo struck the bar with an effort just before the half-time, while Dani Carvajal was denied on the rebound by Atletico stopper Jan Oblak. Marco Asensio, also struck the bar in the opening stages of the game. The major highlight of the first-half would be the penalty shout turned down on Toni Kroos.
Los Rojiblancos had been quiet throughout the first-half, although Diego Costa, returning to the Madrid derby after a ending a 3-year spell at Chelsea, was denied by a good save from Keylor Navas.
Real Madrid worked the ball with more ease on the opening second-half as Marcelo continued to make dangerous run-ons on the Atletico defence.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute as he continued his outstanding scoring run. Gareth Bale was the chief architect of the attack as he drove down the left flank and lifted a cross to the back post. Ronaldo was patient enough to wait for the ball to let it travel over the head of Lucas Hernandez, before volleying his effort past Jan Oblak into the bottom corner. Game on! Bernabeu is lifted up with joy.

Ronaldo continued his brilliant form (AFP/Getty Images)

Gareth Bale looked particularly dangerous again as he raided down the left flank. His lofted cross reached Marco Asensio in the middle as he tried to steer the ball to Ronaldo, but was denied by an important intervention from Hernandez.
Atletico came almost close in equalizing- courtesy of Diego Costa, as he broke into the left and found Saul, who went for a a left-footed strike, but was denied by Navas as he swings a fist at the ball to punch it clear.
Griezmann finally responds after having a quiet game on the 57th minute. Partey and the Frenchman combine to tee up Vitolo in the box. Keylor Navas did dive at the feet of the forward to deny him, but the rebound fell perfectly in the box for Greizmann. He held his composure to fire his strike past the two players on the line, bringing Atletico back on level terms almost immediately.

Griezmann breaking the deadlock (AFP/Getty Images)

Minutes after that Griezmann goal, Atletico was deinied the lead by a brilliant reaction stop from Keylor Navas as Koke fired up a shot from a deflected cross by Saul.
Perhaps, the most surprising moment of the match was at the 64th minute when Zinedine Zidane substituted the goalscorer, Ronaldo to be replaced by Karim Benzema with 26 minutes still left on the clock.
Jan Oblak made the save of the match when he held on to a Sergio Ramos free-kick late on to the match.
The derby ended with honours shared as both the managers felt that a point apiece was a fair result.
Atletico Madrid tightened up the La Liga race with 68 points, 11 points behind Barcelona whereas Real remain in third place with 64 points.