Week 26's standout La Liga clash pitted Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.
Los Blancos were ahead inside three minutes when Karim Benzema converted from close range, but goals from Koke and Gabi left the home side 2-1 ahead after a highly-charged first 45 minutes in the Spanish capital.
The visitors had to wait until the last 10 minutes to level, however, with Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful effort securing a share of the spoils for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Once upon a time, meetings between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were simply grudge matches, with Atletico attempting to derail Los Blancos' aims for that particular season. Well, that is simply not the case anymore. Like Real Madrid, Atletico have their sights firmly set on the La Liga crown this season. What a 90 minutes we have ahead of us at the Vicente Calderon.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Real Madrid have won three of the last five matches, with Atletico winning twice. Los Blancos were 2-1 winners in this stadium in the league last season, but Atletico beat their opponents in the final of the Copa del Rey in May 2013, before winning 1-0 at the Bernabeu in the league earlier this season.
In total, Real Madrid have won 12 of the last 15 matches between the two teams, which included two victories in the Copa del Rey semi-finals this season. Los Blancos were 3-0 winners on their own patch at the start of February, before securing a 2-0 victory at the Calderon one week later. Those two fixtures were the start of a recent wobble for Diego Simeone's side.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No David Villa in the Atletico XI this afternoon, with Raul Garcia joining Arda Turan and Diego Costa in attack. Mario Suarez also comes into the midfield. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, selects Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao in the full-back areas. Gareth Bale also starts with Jese Rodriguez on the bench. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis; Suarez, Gabi, Koke; Turan, Costa, Garcia
REAL: Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric, Di Maria; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
So there we have it. Atletico line up with their strongest back five, while Garcia and Suarez come into the XI, with Villa and Diego both on the bench. The surprising news in the Real Madrid camp is that first-choice full-backs Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are both named on the bench. The midfield and front three is as expected, however, with Cristiano Ronaldo returning from a domestic suspension.
Atletico have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 3-0 defeat to Osasuna in La Liga last weekend. They also lost 2-0 at Almeria on February 8, but returned to form at home with a 3-0 win over Real Valladolid. This afternoon presents the perfect opportunity for the home side to rediscover their early-season form.
Atletico have not won La Liga since the 1995/96 season, while they have only finished in the top two twice since the 1990/91 season. As it stands, they sit in third spot in the table on 60 points, which is the same total as Barcelona from 25 matches. Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit top on 63 points.
Atletico's home form this season has been extremely strong with 11 wins from their 13 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. What's more, they have scored the second-highest (41) number of goals on their own patch and conceded the fewest (seven). Their form in this stadium becomes all the more important at this stage of the campaign.
While Atletico have certainly struggled in recent weeks, it is difficult to find words for just how impressive they have been this season. They matched the top two in Spain last season for long spells, before falling away at this stage of the campaign. That has not been the case this time around and they have it very much in their own hands.
Atletico boss Simeone has been critical of the Spanish media this week due to their coverage of Real Madrid and Barcelona, which he believes hands the top two in Spain an unfair advantage. He told Ole: "It's better for us. In the sports papers, 10 pages are dedicated to Madrid and another 10 to Barca and, if they win 4-0, it's as though they won 16-0 because they constantly repeat the highlights." The full story can be found here.
Goals have not been a problem for Atletico this season with 59 in their 25 matches – 21 of which have come from leading scorer Diego Costa. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are the leading scorers with 71 strikes. Down the other end, Atletico have the best defensive record with 19 against, while Real Madrid have conceded 24 times.
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid side enter the match off the back of a 6-1 thumping against Schalke 04 in the Champions League during the week. That result sent shockwaves around Europe with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo all netting twice each. They are without question, alongside Bayern Munich, the form team in Europe at the moment.
What's more, Los Blancos are currently on a 27-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with that run stretching back to the end of October, when they were beaten 2-1 at Barcelona. The capital outfit have lost just twice in all competitions this season, both in La Liga against Barcelona and Atletico.
While the goals have flowed for Real Madrid this season, head coach Ancelotti has also managed to tighten up his defence. Incredibly, the capital outfit have conceded just four goals in their last 15 games in all competitions. That run of form has also taken them into the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will meet Barcelona next month.
In total, Real Madrid have won 20 of their 25 league games this season, drawing three times and losing twice. They also have the strongest away record in the league having won nine of their 13 matches, losing just once. What's more, they are the top scorers away from home in the league with 32 goals, four more than Barcelona and 14 more than Atletico.
Los Blancos are 32-time La Liga winners, but they have claimed Spain's leading prize just once since the 2007/08 campaign. While Barcelona will not be ready to give up their crown, success for Real Madrid this season could signal a new period of dominance for Ancelotti's side, who are currently in sensational form.
While Atletico have somewhat relied on Diego Costa for goals this season, Real Madrid have three attackers in fine scoring form. Ronaldo has netted 36 times in 33 games this season, Bale has 14 in 27, while Benzema has 20 in 35. Young pretender Jese Rodriguez, meanwhile, who has been one of the stars of the season, has netted eight times in 28 appearances.
PREDICTION: Atletico have not beaten the Bernabeu outfit at home in the league since a 3-1 victory in 1999. In truth, I am finding it extremely difficult to predict that record will end this afternoon. That said, I don't expect Atletico to lose and will therefore predict a 1-1 draw at the Calderon.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. It will come as no surprise that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. No-one has attempted to play this match down prior to kickoff and I shall be following suit. It is a massive, massive occasion in Madrid.
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. Barcelona, who face Almeria later this evening, will be watching closely that is for the certain. The pre-match handshakes have been exchanged and the flags have been exchanged. Los Blancos get the action underway.
Sensational noise inside the stadium this afternoon. Both sets of supporters are fully aware of the importance of this match. It does not take long for Costa to clash with Sergio Ramos as Gabi floats a high ball towards the striker, but it rolls through to Diego Lopez. Early possession for the visitors in Madrid.
GOAL! Atletico 0-1 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Wow! Early free kick for the away side as Juanfran fells Coentrao down the Madrid left. The resulting set piece is delivered by Modric, but Godin is on hand to clear for a corner. The pressure continues as Di Maria delivers a cross towards the far post, where Benzema is on hand to convert from close range.
It looked offside, but replays have shown that Benzema was level when he turned home from inside the box. What a start to this match! Diego Simeone is furious with the fourth official, but the Frenchman was onside. Atletico attempt to break with Luis, but his cross is delivered into the arms of Lopez.
End-to-end start at the Calderon with the challenges flying in from both sides. It has been everything that was expected in the opening seven minutes. Surely Atletico need to score the next goal. The referee is under pressure from the home crowd, meanwhile, as the late tackles arrive in the middle of the park.
Not a great challenge from Costa as the Atletico forward dives into a late challenge with Lopez, but the referee takes no further action. Garcia wants a free kick for the home side moments later under contact from Ramos, but the referee is not interested once more. Incredible nine minutes at the Calderon. Madrid lead courtesy of that close-range finish from Benzema.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the challenges continue to arrive. The referee has his work cut out once more as Arbeloa goes down following a perceived elbow from Luis. Costa wants a penalty moments later after going down under contact from Ramos, but the Spanish official turns it down before booking Turan for simulation!
I would be astounded if we finished with all 22 players on the field. Sensational noise inside the stadium at the moment as Costa goes down once more, which forces the referee to stop the play. Tempers are running high at the Calderon with 15 minutes on the clock. Not too many chances to speak of since Los Blancos went ahead.
Neither Ronaldo nor Bale have had a kick in the opening 17 minutes with clear chances few and far between. It has turned into a battle, which was always the risk. Los Blancos do manage a period of possession in the Atletico half, but it comes to an end when Gabi steps across Modric. Moments later, Benzema is crowded out by Miranda and Juanfran down the Madrid right.
Garcia tries his luck from outside the box after taking possession from Bale, but his effort is wide of the mark. The challenges continue to arrive thick and fast as Suarez dives into Alonso, but still the referee manages to keep a lid on proceedings. Moments later, Ronaldo goes down holding his knee in the Atletico half.
Just a reminder that, as it stands, Real Madrid would move six points clear of Atletico and Barcelona at the top of the table. Barcelona face Almeria this evening and could cut that to three points by the end of the weekend. The stop-start period of the match continues as Pepe goes down holding his Achilles.
Half-chance for Atletico as Costa finds some space inside the box before turning and striking an effort towards goal, but it just moves wide of the post. Clear opportunities have been at a premium in the opening 24 minutes due to the stop-start nature. However, Benzema follows Costa's effort by testing Courtois down the other end with a clever volley from just inside the box.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to score their second as Bale finds Modric, who drives a low cross into the Atletico box. Ronaldo makes contact, but Courtois just manages to make the save from close range. Opportunities are starting to arrive at the Calderon.
Another off-the-ball collision occurs between Garcia and Coentrao, but once more the referee is not interested. The opening 28 minutes of this La Liga contest have just flown past. Atletico have certainly improved, but Los Blancos are so strong in defensive areas at the moment. It remains 1-0 Real Madrid.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Real Madrid (Koke)
Brilliant, just brilliant from the home side as Turan drives past two Real Madrid defenders before finding Koke, who arrows a powerful effort into the bottom corner. Terrific finish from the Spanish midfielder.
Well, that has certainly changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as the intensity remains in the middle of the pitch. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
Much better from the home side in the last 10 minutes or so with Real Madrid now struggling to keep the ball in the final third. We have seen little from Bale and Ronaldo in the opening 33 minutes, with Miranda and Godin strong in defensive areas. Di Maria goes down on the edge of the Atletico box moments later, but the referee is not interested despite clear contact from Gabi.
Half-chance for Los Blancos as Ronaldo finds some space outside the box before striking one towards goal, but Courtois is on hand to make the save. Atletico are down the other end with Luis moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Lopez. Still 1-1 at the Calderon with 36 minutes on the clock.
Turan just needs to be a little bit careful here as, having already been booked, he gets involved with the referee once more after Garcia had been felled by Pepe. The noise levels have just dropped in the last few moments as both managers prepare their half-time teamtalks. What a match it has been thus far.
Another issue for the referee to deal with as Pepe hits the ground inside his own box. The Spanish official produces a yellow for Pepe and a yellow for Godin. That's poor from the Portuguese, who had hardly been touched. I suspect that there will be a fair chunk of added time as the altercations continue to occur.
Another free kick for the home side just outside the Madrid box as Luis is brought to the ground by Alonso. The resulting set piece is delivered by Koke, but Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. I suspect that the referee will need the break more than the players at the interval. Still 1-1 after 42 minutes of action.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Costa uses his strength to turn inside the Real Madrid box before attempting to lift his effort over Lopez, but the Real Madrid stopper is on hand to make a fine save at the vital moment. Brilliant work from Costa.
GOAL! Atletico 2-1 Real Madrid (Gabi)
Oh my good grief what a goal! Atletico take the lead in first-half stoppage time as Gabi rattles a long-range effort into the back of the net following a short free kick. The Calderon erupts!
HALF TIME: Atletico 2-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 2-1. Madrid had the lead early on through Benzema, but goals from Koke and Gabi have turned the game on its head. As expected, it has been an incident-filled half with the referee called into action on numerous occasions.
STATISTICS:Real Madrid have just about shaded the possession with 57%, but both sides have had five attempts. Three of the away side's attempts have been on target, while Atletico have scored twice with their two on goal. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, but the referee has booked just three players, which is quite incredible when taking into account what has occurred in Madrid.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Diego, Rodriguez, Sosa and Villa. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have the likes of Isco, Jese and Marcelo in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. In truth, it will be a miracle if the referee manages to keep all 22 players on the field. Let's hope for more pulsating football in the second 45 minutes in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid get the half underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 2-1 for the next 20 minutes or so. The onus is on the away side and they have started on the front foot in the second period.
Opportunity for Atletico to threaten from a free kick as Costa is felled outside the box by Alonso, which brings a furious reaction from both benches. The resulting set piece is taken by Costa, but his effort is straight into the arms of the waiting Lopez. Bright start to the second 45 minutes from the home side.
Not too much from the likes of Bale and Ronaldo this afternoon with the Real Madrid pair struggling for possession in the final third. Di Maria has a half-chance moments later as he meets a bouncing ball on the edge of the box, but Miranda stands tall to make the block. Costa carries the fight down the other end, but his effort is just wide of the post following a through pass from Garcia.
It has been an extremely impressive response from the home side. It would have been easy to buckle under the early pressure from Real Madrid, but they are now in control. Costa is becoming more dominant, meanwhile, in his battle with Ramos. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital. Barcelona, who face Almeria this evening, will be watching with interest.
Real Madrid have a free kick of their own in an advanced position moments later as Juanfran dives into the back of Coentrao. The resulting set piece is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but both sides continue to force the issue in the final third. Atletico threaten once more as Turan combines with Juanfran down the right, but Alonso is on hand to clear for a corner. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Another half-chance for the home side as Costa meets a corner from Koke, but his header is into the ground and bounces wide of the post. Moments later, Real Madrid make their first change of the match as Marcelo enters the field in place of Coentrao, who was a surprise starter. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals at the Calderon this early evening in Spain.
More frustration for the away side as another attack breaks down as Bale fails to meet a through pass from Alonso. You just get the feeling that Madrid boss Ancelotti will be considering Jese. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances with 63 minutes on the clock. Costa has another penalty shout after clashing with Pepe, but the referee is not interested.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to level as Modric finds Benzema at the far post with a floated cross, but his volley is just wide of the post. The Frenchman has been the pick of the Madrid attackers in the opening 64 minutes at the Calderon.
Wow. Incredible decision from the referee as the Spaniard books Costa, who had moved past Arbeloa and was felled by the right-back. Moments later, one of the Atletico coaches gets involved with the referee. Incredible scenes at the Calderon!
CHANCE! Real Madrid come close once more as Bale meets a free kick from Di Maria, but his flicked header is saved by Courtois. Wonderful entertainment at the Calderon with little over 20 minutes of football remaining. It has been a pulsating clash between the two Madrid rivals.
CHANCE! Opportunities at both ends as Juanfran delivers a wonderful cross into the Real Madrid box, Turan rises at the far post, but Lopez is on hand to make a fine save. Moments before, Garcia had a fresh-air shot inside the box. One-way traffic at the moment. Surely we have not seen the last of the goals.
Another free kick on the edge of the Atletico box as Di Maria is felled by Miranda, who was late on the Argentine attacker. Moments later, Real Madrid make their second change of the match as Carvajal replaces Arbeloa. The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is straight into the Atletico wall.
Los Blancos make their third and final change as Isco enters the field in place of Di Maria. Surprisingly, no Jese Rodriguez. The pressure is coming from the away side at the moment, but Atletico remain a threat with their movement in the final third. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at the Vicente Calderon.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid as Carvajal finds the head of Ronaldo inside the Atletico box, but his effort is wide of the post. Still no movement on the Atletico bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Is there to be late drama?
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with the home side attempting to slow the play whenever possible. Just a reminder that Real Madrid have made all three changes and will therefore be relying on those on the field. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals.
The pressure continues from the away side as Ronaldo combines with Marcelo before driving a low cross into the box, but Bale cannot make contact. Not too much from Atletico in the last 10 minutes or so, but they remain so strong in defensive areas. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in the capital.
GOAL! Atletico 2-2 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Brilliant from Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects a loose Carvajal cross inside the Atletico box before drilling his effort into the bottom corner. That forces Atletico into a change as Rodriguez replaces Turan. All level at the Calderon!
In truth, you cannot say that it had not been coming. Real Madrid have dominated the last 15 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that opportunities will arrive in the latter stages. At the moment, Los Blancos are the team on the front foot. It would be so, so cruel on the hosts if a late winner arrived.
CHANCE! Poor defending from Real Madrid presents an opportunity to Costa, but his effort is blocked by Pepe with Lopez not in his goal. Down the other end, Modric fires high and wide of the crossbar following a swift counter attack.
Wonderful work from Bale presents a half-chance to Benzema inside the Atletico box, but the flag is raised. Replays have shown that the Frenchman was onside when Bale made the flick. Not too much from the home side in terms of an attacking threat as Los Blancos continue to force the issue at the Calderon.
CHANCE! Only incredible defending from Luis prevents Ronaldo from finishing a Marcelo cross from close range. Brilliant from the Spanish left-back. My word the visitors have had chances this afternoon.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. You get the feeling that there is another big chance in this match. Los Blancos continue to dominate the possession in the Atletico half.
Not too much to report in the last minute or so as another long ball from Marcelo is cleared by the head of Miranda. Real Madrid have another free kick when Rodriguez fells Alonso, but Pepe heads the resulting set piece into the arms of Courtois.
FULL TIME: Atletico 2-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. And breathe! The referee brings the match to an end with the two sides level at 2-2. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction. I am back at 7.30pm for Barcelona against Almeria - be sure to join me. Until then!
