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Thursday, April 18, 2024

Antoine Griezmann strikes late to deny Real Madrid on derby day

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Antoine Griezmann scored five minutes from time as Atletico Madrid snatched a 1-1 draw away at rivals Real Madrid.

Pepe put the hosts in front in the first half but life was breathed into the Liga title race right at the end.

The result means Real Madrid are top of the table with 72 points from 30 games, just three ahead of Barcelona.

Atletico are another seven points behind Barca and have played one game more.

The first half had been a tense affair, with both teams playing patiently and carving out a couple of opportunities to take the lead.

Saul Niguez had the first chance, heading Koke’s free kick inches wide, before Yannick Carrasco crossed for Griezmann, who hit the post only to be ruled offside.

At the other end, Atletico goalkeeper Oblak made a good save to deny Cristiano Ronaldo at his near post, then a brilliant one to keep out a fierce Karim Benzema strike.

He was eventually beaten by Ronaldo after Luka Modric won the ball back and played him in, but a stunning headed clearance off the line from Stefan Savic kept the score level.

Griezmann had another chance after Sergio Ramos blundered by passing the ball straight to him, but his strike was tipped wide by Keylor Navas.

Ronaldo headed wide and Oblak made another terrific save to deny Benzema early in the second half, before Pepe opened the scoring in the 52nd minute.

Saul conceded a free kick for handball and Toni Kroos whipped it in from the right, with Pepe’s header looping beyond the Slovenian stopper and into the net.

Torres should have equalised when sent through one-on-one with Navas, but Madrid’s goalkeeper rushed out to deny him, before Griezmann’s late intervention earned third-placed Atletico a point.

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