Ronaldo’s late strike salvages point in Madrid derby

Andy West 09:08 03/03/2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Left for dead: Cristiano Ronaldo dribbles past Atletico defender Diego Godin.

    Cristiano Ronaldo had the last word in a ferociously contested, action-packed and controversial Madrid derby to retain Real's position at the top of La Liga.

    The Portuguese star fired a late leveller after Atletico had cancelled out Karim Benzema’s early opener by racing into a half-time lead through Koke and Gabi.

    It was probably just about the right result, although Atletico will probably feel they did enough to claim the points from a pulsating contest.

    Real came into the game high in confidence on the back of a 27-game unbeaten run, and they needed just three minutes to take the lead when a short corner was played to Angel Di Maria, whose deep cross was stabbed home at the far post by Benzema, with the French striker remaining just onside despite Atletico’s protests.

    The hosts should have been awarded a penalty when Sergio Ramos appeared to clearly trip Diego Costa inside the area, but referee Carlos Delgado waved play on.

    Costa then dragged a left-footed shot wide before Thibaut Courtois saved nervously from Benzema’s volley and Ronaldo’s close-range flick as the chances continued to flow in an open and exciting encounter at the Vicente Calderon.

    Atletico were controlling the midfield and they deservedly equalised when Arda Turan drifted into space on the edge of the box and slid a pass to Koke, who drilled an unstoppable low shot into the left corner from 15 yards.

    The remainder of the opening period was largely played in Real’s half, with a running feud between defenders Diego Godin and Pepe seeing Atletico have another penalty appeal waved away as they tangled at a corner.

    Costa threatened again by turning inside the area to shoot, forcing Lopez into a good save at his feet.

    But the Real keeper was powerless to prevent Atletico from taking the lead on the brink of half-time, with Gabi running onto a short free-kick from Koke and launching a ferocious drive into the net from fully 30 yards out.

    Atletico maintained their ascendancy in the early stages of the second period with Costa twice going close, but then it was Real’s turn to have a penalty appeal denied when Ronaldo’s free-kick struck Gabi on the arm in the wall.

    Costa and Ronaldo both headed good chances narrowly wide, and Courtois and Lopez made excellent stops as Atletico’s Belgian keeper showed superb reflexes to keep out a header from the otherwise subdued Gareth Bale before Lopez did well at his near post to push aside Turan’s header from a deep cross.

    As the game entered the final 10 minutes Atleti were holding on valiantly, but then came Ronaldo’s moment.

    Substitute Dani Carjaval was the provider, forcing his way into the box on the right before cutting back a low cross, allowing Ronaldo to swivel and fire a firm low strike past Courtois.

    Both teams had half-chances to claim the points as Costa saw an angled effort blocked and Luka Modric blazed over the bar, but there was no late winner.

    Recommended