Real Madrid draws with Athletico in Madrid derby
September 30, 2019Neither Real nor Atletico could find a way through as both Madrid teams played out a 0-0 draw at Wanda Metropolitano in the Madrid derby.
Real Madrid climbed back to the top of the La Liga table after a goalless draw against neighbors and eternal rivals Atletico Madrid in Saturday’s El Derbi.
Atletico had scored seven goals against Real Madrid in July’s pre-season clash back in New Jersey, and even in the derby, they showed more attacking threat, especially in the first half.
Joao Felix had twice gone close to getting the opening goal for the hosts, after dragging a shot wide of the goalpost with the angle against him and blasting narrowly wide from 25 yards out.
Madrid had some brilliant moments in the same before the first half, with Toni Kroos shooting two venomous strikes at Oblak twice in the space of three minutes late in the first half.
Diego Someone brought on Angel Correa at half-time, and the substitute headed over from a close range four minutes after coming on.
Madrid winger Gareth Bale ballooned a shot soon after and Luka Modric came off the bench later on in the game.
Karim Benzema nearly had an opportunity to score the winning goal for Madrid with his headed effort 15 minutes from stoppage time at Wanda Metropolitano, which forced a great save out of Atletico goalkeeper, Jan Oblak.
Joao Felix and Saul Niguez both came close to scoring for Atletico. Atletico had just registered one attempt on target, as they now continue their winless run in competitive matches with Madrid. That run has stretched to seven matches, without a win over Real Madrid.
Both Real Madrid and Atletico played with low quality and poor finishing in the final third. However, credits will go to Real Madrid, who have now gone three matches without conceding a goal in La Liga. Real Madrid have kept three straight clean sheets in the Spanish La Liga for the first time under head coach, Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane’s side will also be happier after climbing above newly promoted Granada to top the League table.
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This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Collins Michael Nwokolo. Follow him on Twitter and Pinterest.