Atletico snatch dramatic draw after Madrid derby halted as fans throw objects at Courtois

The Madrid derby ended with the points shared, but it will be a game remembered for a lengthy break due to missiles thrown from Atletico Madrid fans at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Shortly after Eder Militao put Real Madrid in front in the second half, former Rojiblanco favourite Courtois, who directed celebrations towards the section behind the goal at the Metropolitano, was pelted with objects including a lighter.

The players were taken off the field for almost 15 minutes before returning, with the game resuming with 21 minutes remaining on the clock.

Atletico powered forward as the game approached its conclusion, with Courtois making a fine stop to deny Lino, but finally got back on level terms six minutes into injury time via Angel Correa – with VAR overturning an initial offside decision.

In the closing minutes, Marcos Llorente was sent off for a rash challenge, ending an incident-packed match, but one which will be overshadowed by the actions of the Atletico fans.

Talking Point – A watershed moment in the rivalry

There have been many memorable battles between the two Madrid giants, but this one will be remembered for unsavoury reasons and it may lead to some self-reflection in Spanish football about what they feel is to be tolerated in their stadiums.

This feels especially relevant coming three days after referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez was struck by a bottle thrown by an Espanyol fan.

In the build-up to the match there were rumours a section of the Atleti ultras would wear masks to disguise their identity so as to hurl abuse at Vinicius Jr. Instead, it was the former Atletico star Courtois who became the prime target after he turned to the section of supporters and celebrated the visitors’ goal.

The Spanish FA have given referees the power to take players from the field if fans misbehave. Now it is incumbent on them to follow this up with punishment which will dissuade fans from conducting themselves in this manner in the future.

Player of the Match

Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): It was not a game where there was a standout player and Thibaut Courtois may well have got the award if he had not conceded late. In a match where injury denied Kylian Mbappe his Madrid derby bow, it was Valverde who stood out most amongst the visitors as they took control of the game, both with his blistering efforts from long range and clever interplay with teammates.

Player Ratings

Atletico Madrid: Oblak 7; Marcos Llorente 7, Le Normand 7, Gimenez 6, Reinildo 6; Molina 6, Gallagher 6, De Paul 6, Julian Alvarez 6; Sorloth 6, Griezmann 6.

Subs: Koke 6, Lino 7, Correa 8, Riquelme 6, Galan 7.

Real Madrid: Courtois 7; Carvajal 7, Rudiger 6, Militao 7, Mendy 6; Tchouameni 6, Modric 7, Fede Valverde 8*; Bellingham 5; Vinicius 7, Rodrygo 6.

Subs: Vazquez 6, Endrick 6, Garcia 6.

‘I can barely speak Spanish!’ – Gallagher and Alvarez presented in front of Atletico Madrid fans

Match Highlights

9′ ALVAREZ WORKS HIS WAY IN FROM THE LEFT… And he fires a low shot from a tight angle, which Courtois saves with his legs.

17′ VALVERDE CURLS AN EFFORT FROM 20 YARDS! And Oblak dives high to his right to push away.

51′ GREAT CHANCE FOR RODRYGO! And he is only inches high of the target. Atletico were asleep from a corner which was played as a one-two back to Modric, then rolled to the Brazilian, all alone, on the edge of the penalty area.

64′ GOAL! ATLETICO 0-1 REAL MADRID (MILITAO)! Vinicius’ cross found the defender at the back post and he brought the ball down before firing a half-volley which clips off Llorente’s leg before nestling in the net.

68′ COURTOIS COMPLAINS ABOUT OBJECTS BEING THROWN AT HIM! The referee has paused the game for the moment. Koke is trying to calm the supporters. The players are now leaving the field.

73′ VINICIUS JR. WITH FINE TURN AND SHOT! He turns Giminez 35 yards from goal and then fires a left-footed drive from 25 yards which Oblak does well to tip wide of the post.

83′ GREAT STOP FROM COURTOIS! The headlines will be surround him anyway, but Courtois showed his class as a goalkeeper there tipping over a shot from Lino, which followed a great run and turn from the Brazilian.

90+6’GOAL! ATLETICO 1-1 REAL MADRID (CORREA)! Correa ran through on goal and brilliantly took the ball around Courtois before guiding home under pressure from Militao.

90+8′ LLORENTE GETS A RED CARD! He made a scissor challenge on Fran Garcia and after checking the monitor the referee sends him off.