Atlético de Madrid earned a commendable draw from their visit to Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium after showing two very different sides during the match. The red-and-whites were superior in the first half, where they had many chances and went ahead with a penalty. The one responsible for converting it was Julián Alvarez, who didn't flinch and has already scored 17 goals across all competitions this season.
The second half was much more challenging, with a Real Madrid heavily focused on attack after equalizing shortly after the restart thanks to Kylian Mbappé. Jan Oblak held up the Atlético team and prevented a defeat that could have made things very difficult in the standings. One of the most notable aspects is that last night a situation occurred that hadn't been seen in 15 years in the derbies of Spain's capital.
Julián Alvarez Breaks the Bad Streak
The Argentine forward's season is being spectacular, aiming to surpass 20 goals and remaining the top scorer of the squad. Yesterday he was chosen as the best player of the match and was the author of the Atlético goal from the penalty spot, something very striking. Real Madrid hadn't yet faced any penalties against them this season, although they had enjoyed several penalties in their favor.
It's not a minor detail, as the last person to take a penalty at the Santiago Bernabéu was Diego Forlán in 2010, in a match that ended in defeat. Since then, despite the multiple controversies that have occurred at the Santiago Bernabéu, Atlético de Madrid hadn't had any penalties in their favor. As expected, the Madrid club has complained in recent hours, as they believe that Tchouaméni's stomp on Samuel Lino wasn't worthy of a penalty.
A Clear Penalty for Simeone
Since César Soto Grado approached the monitor to review the play, the Argentine coach was vehemently reminding him that it was a similar action seen just a few hours earlier. Specifically, it was in the clash between Athletic Club de Bilbao and Girona, where a very similar penalty was called for the Basques to open the scoring. Evidently, it's a decision that generates much debate, as specialists don't agree on whether it should have been called.
The reality is that Tchouaméni fully impacts with his studs on Samuel Lino's foot, an action that would be a clear foul anywhere else on the field. On the other hand, little is said about how Dani Ceballos should have been sent off after a horrific tackle on Pablo Barrios's ankle. The Andalusian was only cautioned, but social media began to heat up after seeing that dangerous action replayed.