Correa's Stoppage-Time Equaliser Rescues Atletico in Intense Madrid Derby
Angel Correa scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Atletico Madrid in a thrilling derby against city rivals Real Madrid, which was temporarily halted due to crowd disturbances.
Real took the lead in the 64th minute through Eder Militao, whose deflected shot seemed to set the stage for a victory. However, just moments later, the match was paused for about 20 minutes after visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois raised concerns about objects being thrown from the stands behind him.
Following discussions between the referee and both managers, players returned to their dressing rooms while the situation was addressed. Atletico’s manager Diego Simeone, alongside several players, attempted to calm the home supporters.
Once play resumed, it appeared Real would secure the win, but Correa had other plans. The substitute rounded Courtois to slot home the equaliser, initially ruled out but later confirmed as onside by VAR, much to the relief of Atletico’s fans.
Despite the thrilling finish, the match saw Atletico’s Marcos Llorente receive a red card for a late challenge on Fran Garcia shortly after Correa’s goal, adding to the drama of the encounter.
Simeone expressed frustration over Courtois’s celebration after Real’s goal, stating, “You can celebrate a goal but not by looking at the fans, having a go, making gestures like that.” He recalled how Real Madrid fans had previously thrown objects at Courtois when he played for Atletico.
Real’s manager Carlo Ancelotti agreed with the referee’s decision to suspend the match, noting that despite conceding the late equaliser, his team remained positive, emphasizing their strong performance. “We were very close to winning, but this can happen,” he said.
Barcelona currently leads La Liga, three points ahead of Real Madrid, with Atletico just two points behind. Both Madrid teams remain unbeaten this season, with Real extending their impressive unbeaten streak to 40 league matches, dating back to a loss against Atletico in September 2023.
With key signing Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to a thigh injury, Real nearly doubled their lead after the restart, but Jan Oblak made a crucial save against Vinicius Jr. Courtois also kept Atletico at bay with a fine save from Samuel Lino as they pushed for an equaliser.
In a match filled with tension and excitement, it was Correa who ultimately salvaged a point for Atletico in the fifth minute of added time.