(Football news) Real Madrid drew 1-1 against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. The starting line-up from Carlo Ancelotti was a little surprising as Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric and Aurélien Tchouaméni all started on the bench. Toni Kroos played as a 6 behind Dani Ceballos and Fede Valverde while Marco Asensio started on the right wing. Diego Simeone lined up in a 4-5-1 with Antoine Griezmann up top as Alvaro Morata, Angel Correa and Memphis Depay all started on the bench. 

The first half was very cagey as both teams didn’t have any clear cut chances. Atletico Madrid left back Reinildo was substituted off due to an injury and was replaced by Jose Gimenez. At half time the game was pretty even and Simeone acted on it by making an attacking substitution as he brought on Angel Correa gor Pablo Barrios. Correa’s time on the field came to a premature end as he was shown a straight red for elbowing Antonio Rudiger’s chest in the 64th minute. Atletico Madrid went down to 10 men but 14 minutes later they broke the deadlock as well. Jose Gimenez headed home Antoine Griezmann’s free kick to give 10 man Atletico a priceless lead.

Real Madrid desperately needed an equaliser but they were struggling to break down the Rojiblancos’ stubborn defence. The equaliser eventually came in the 85th minute via Alvaro Rodrigues who scored a header from Luka Modric’s corner. It was only Rodrigues’ 3rd appearance for Real Madrid’s first team and Carlo Ancelotti has already said that he will be a part of the first team next season. The Uruguayan is likely to juggle between the B team and first team for the rest of the season. Real Madrid couldn’t create another clear chance as the match ended 1-1. Thankfully for Los Blancos, Barcelona lost to Almeria which means that they are now 7 points behind them in the La Liga.

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