Atlético’s Marcos Llorente heads late leveller to dent Real Madrid’s title hopes
The Madrid Trilogy reached its conclusion with an unexpected twist in the final act. A series of three derbies over three weeks on three distinct stages and in three different competitions saw Real Madrid claiming the Super Cup, Atlético emerging victorious in the Copa del Rey, and Real reaffirming their dominance in the league. However, the grand finale took an unexpected turn in the 93rd minute when Marcos Llorente, the scion of a lineage deeply embedded in Real Madrid's history, scored a dramatic late equalizer for their arch-rivals. Llorente's jubilant celebration, arms raised to the sky, was met with a chase of striped shirts trailing after him.
While the first two episodes of the trilogy required extra time to determine a winner, the third installment concluded without an additional period, resulting in a hard-fought but ultimately drawn battle. The initial chapters featured a total of 14 goals, delivering wild and epic nights of football with 120 minutes of drama and tension, culminating in scorelines of 4-2 and 5-3. In contrast, the final episode witnessed only two goals. Despite the draw enabling Carlo Ancelotti's side to move two points clear at the top of the table, with a 10-point lead over Atlético, it was the 100 supporters of Diego Simeone's team, nestled high in a tiny corner of the north stand, who celebrated at the conclusion.
In a turn of events just when it seemed finished, Real Madrid's formidable midfield had asserted control, yet Memphis Depay's flick allowed Marcos Llorente to level the score at 1-1. The early lead for Madrid was erased, and the narrative took an unexpected turn. The potential hero of the day appeared to be Brahim Díaz, the man who had previously scored in Saudi Arabia by outpacing Jan Oblak to bend the ball into an open net. Díaz opened the scoring in this match when he hadn't anticipated playing at all, learning of his inclusion just minutes before kick-off.
Vinícius Jr, experiencing neck pain during the warm-up, was replaced, and Díaz, the last-minute inclusion, took aim at the Atlético goal, putting Madrid on the offensive from the start. Despite the unexpected lineup change, Atlético found themselves overwhelmed, with Díaz's early attempt followed by Jude Bellingham's shot through the legs of Mario Hermoso. Eduardo Camavinga also had an opportunity, slicing the ball over the bar. Atlético struggled to gain possession in Madrid's half, and their star player, Antoine Griezmann, had limited involvement.
When Griezmann finally showcased his skills with a superb pass to set up Álvaro Morata, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a sharp save with his right hand. However, Atlético seemed to weather the early pressure and found their rhythm. Yet, just as they settled, they conceded. Two deflected passes from Díaz and Lucas Vázquez, unintentionally set up Díaz for a one-on-one opportunity on the edge of the six-yard box, where he controlled the ball and lifted a shot past Oblak.
A delightful inswinging cross orchestrated by Rodrigo Riquelme nearly led to Axel Witsel securing a swift equalizer, but Lunin, leaping behind him with his body stretched like a star, made a spectacular save and pushed it wide. The ensuing corner saw Stefan Savic's glancing header evade the far post from a mere three yards.
The match was evolving into an entertaining spectacle. Rodrygo aimed wide after an intricate exchange with Díaz and Vázquez, with Vázquez having the subsequent opportunity. Given the freedom to advance, Vázquez, defying the expectations of the Atlético defense anticipating a cross, opted for a shot that found the side-netting.
On the opposing side, Llorente provided a delivery for Saúl, whose header narrowly missed the target. Hermoso then attempted to sneak in at the far post, where Rodrigo de Paul's superb delivery was descending, but Rodrygo had diligently tracked him throughout. Atlético believed they had equalized at the onset of the second half when Savic nodded in from a Griezmann corner. However, Saúl had positioned himself in front of the keeper on the line, in an offside position, disallowing the goal.
As Atlético desperately sought a pathway back into the game, opportunities were scarce. Interestingly, the most promising chances unfolded at the opposite end of the pitch, with Madrid's midfield quartet asserting their dominance as the match entered a stretched phase.
Jude Bellingham made a fervent appeal for a penalty after being barged over by Savic. A swift break led by Fede Valverde, surging through the right, presented Rodrygo with a golden opportunity to seal the victory, but he directed his shot straight at Oblak. Meanwhile, Brahim Díaz showcased a moment of brilliance, with his feet flashing as he stopped, enticed Hermoso in, nutmegged him, turned inside Witsel, and narrowly bent his shot wide.
Despite his impressive performance, Díaz was substituted immediately after, receiving a standing ovation from the Bernabéu crowd. It seemed to be his night, or so they believed. However, fate had other plans as the Madrid Trilogy delivered one last unexpected twist, leaving Díaz to watch from the bench.