Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Player Ratings from Intense Derby Draw

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid shared the spoils in a hard-fought 1-1 draw on Saturday.

In a highly anticipated La Liga derby, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out an intense 1-1 draw that left both teams disappointed yet determined to improve. The match featured late drama, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez opening the scoring in the first half, and Real Madrid responding early after the break with Kylian Mbappe’s equalizer.

First Half: Atletico Madrid Take the Lead

The match started slowly, with both teams struggling to generate any clear-cut chances. However, in the 34th minute, Atletico Madrid were awarded a penalty after Aurelien Tchouameni fouled Samuel Lino. Julian Alvarez stepped up and confidently chipped the ball down the middle, giving Atletico a 1-0 lead in a dull first half.

This goal marked Real Madrid’s fifth game of the season in which they failed to record a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Second Half: Mbappe Levels for Real Madrid

After the break, Carlo Ancelotti’s side came out with renewed intensity. Just five minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham’s deflected shot fell kindly for Kylian Mbappe, who slotted home to make it 1-1. Real Madrid continued to press, with Bellingham coming close with a header that hit the crossbar and another chance saved by Atletico’s Jan Oblak.

Despite multiple opportunities for Real Madrid, Oblak’s crucial saves helped Atletico secure a draw.

Real Madrid Player Ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6.2/10
Had little to do in the first half but made a crucial stop in the second.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – 7.9/10
Provided an energetic performance on the right side, making vital defensive contributions.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – 6.9/10
The penalty he conceded was unfortunate, but he was solid otherwise.
CB: Raul Asencio – 7.5/10
A solid defensive performance, showing composure under pressure.
LB: Fran Garcia – 7.2/10
Supported the attack well, but was less involved in the second half.
DM: Dani Ceballos – 8.5/10 (Player of the Match)
Ceballos controlled the midfield, providing vital interceptions and key passes.
CM: Federico Valverde – 7.5/10
Always involved in the game, providing energy and attacking support.
CM: Jude Bellingham – 7.6/10
Played a key role in the second-half equalizer and was a constant threat.
RW: Rodrygo – 8.0/10
A lively performance on the right wing, creating chances and troubling Atletico’s defense.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – 7.7/10
Took his chance clinically for the equalizer and looked dangerous throughout.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 7.1/10
Struggled to make an impact, but still created some dangerous moments.
SUBS: Eduardo Camavinga (80′) – 6.4/10
Came on to add fresh legs but didn’t have a major impact.
SUB: Luka Modric (81′) – 6.0/10
Introduced late but didn’t affect the game much.
SUB: Brahim Diaz (88′) – N/A

Atletico Madrid Player Ratings (4-4-2)

GK: Jan Oblak – 8.1/10
A string of crucial saves kept Atletico in the game, including stopping Bellingham and Vinicius Junior’s headers.
RB: Marcos Llorente – 7.3/10
Put in a solid performance, especially defensively.
CB: Jose Gimenez – 6.8/10
Made some important clearances but looked shaky at times.
CB: Clement Lenglet – 6.6/10
Was caught out on a few occasions but held his ground.
LB: Javi Galan – 6.9/10
Worked hard defensively, though his offensive contributions were limited.
RM: Giuliano Simeone – 6.2/10
Had a quiet game and didn’t impact the match much.
CM: Rodrigo de Paul – 6.6/10
Played a solid role in midfield but faded as the match went on.
CM: Pablo Barrios – 6.9/10
A tireless performance, battling in midfield but lacking the creative spark.
LM: Samuel Lino – 7.1/10
Was involved in the penalty and showed flashes of quality.
ST: Antoine Griezmann – 7.1/10
Worked hard to link play but didn’t have a major impact on the scoreline.
ST: Julian Alvarez – 7.5/10
Converted the penalty and looked sharp in attack.
SUBS: Koke (64′) – 6.0/10
Provided fresh energy in the midfield but didn’t make a huge impact.
SUB: Nahuel Molina (64′) – 6.3/10
Defended solidly, but didn’t add much going forward.
SUB: Reinildo (64′) – 6.2/10
Brought on to shore up the defense but had little to do.
SUB: Angel Correa (77′) – 5.7/10
Failed to make any impact after his introduction.
SUB: Alexander Sorloth (81′) – N/A

Key Takeaways

• Both teams had moments to win but were ultimately held to a draw.
• Real Madrid’s pressing in the second half was much improved, but Atletico’s defense, led by Oblak, stood strong.
• Dani Ceballos was the standout player of the match, controlling the midfield and providing a solid link between defense and attack.

What are your thoughts on this exciting derby? Can Real Madrid bounce back after this draw, or will Atletico Madrid continue to build momentum? Let us know in the comments!