Gab Marcotti commented on the recent controversy during the Madrid derby, where fans engaged in throwing objects at players while concealing their identities.
In a thrilling LaLiga clash on Sunday, Atlético Madrid’s Ángel Correa scored a late equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid. The match was disrupted for over 20 minutes as home fans launched items onto the pitch, forcing the referee to intervene.
The game was paused in the 69th minute, shortly after Real Madrid defender Éder Militão scored the opening goal. Objetcs targeted Real’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, prompting him to alert the match officials. Following the lengthy delay, the players returned, and Atlético pressed hard for an equalizer. Correa eventually found the back of the net in the fifth minute of added time after a swift counter-attack.
Real Madrid currently sits second in the league table with 18 points, trailing Barcelona by three points and leading Atlético by two points after eight matches.
Atlético captain Koke addressed the incident with the thrown objects, stating, “These matches are filled with tension and intensity. This cannot happen on a football pitch. We are professionals, and we need to be smart. However, we shouldn’t let the actions of a few affect everyone in the stadium.”
Real Madrid was missing star forward Kylian Mbappé due to a leg injury, leading coach Carlo Ancelotti to strengthen the midfield by bringing in veteran Luka Modric, nearing 40 years of age.
Despite a more balanced lineup, Real failed to convert their possession into goals, a challenge compounded by the loss of playmaker Toni Kroos, who retired in July after participating in Euro 2024.
As Modric ages and Jude Bellingham plays in an attacking role, Federico Valverde assumed Kroos’s responsibilities in midfield. Valverde was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, linking up effectively with forwards Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Bellingham.
Valverde nearly scored on three occasions in the first half, with Atlético struggling to counter. The second half saw increased activity from Atlético after manager Diego Simeone substituted in Brazilian winger Samuel Lino, providing the necessary energy.
Just when Atlético seemed ready to score, Vinícius burst down the left wing, crossing for the unmarked Militão, who scored with a powerful half-volley. The goal celebration was marred by fans throwing lighters and bottles onto the pitch, leading referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer to halt the match and send players to the dressing rooms, warning that the game could be abandoned if the behavior persisted.
Once play resumed, Atlético continued to apply pressure, although a late chance for Real’s substitute Endrick nearly extended their lead. However, in the closing moments, Atlético equalized when Javi Galán’s pass found Correa, who skillfully rounded Courtois to secure a point.
The match concluded with Atlético reduced to 10 men following Marcos Llorente’s red card for a foul on Fran García.