Although Carlo Ancelotti’s team faltered late on to draw, this match will be remembered negatively.

On Sunday night, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid drew. But in the months ahead, very few will recall the outcome, since crowd disturbances caused the match to be postponed in the second half and spoilt what could have been an exciting 1-1.

In a tense derby, Los Blancos appeared to have done their job when Eder Militao scored for Madrid. But Angel Correa’s equaliser in the 99th minute meant that the points were split. However, the game’s pivotal moment will be a 21-minute delay brought on by a few Atleti supporters hurling objects onto the field.

Early on, Julian Alvarez got the closest and Thibaut Courtois had to make a nice stop at his near post. Federico Valverde also had a chance to end the impasse, but Jan Oblak’s spectacular stop kept it alive.

Otherwise, it was a dull event that required a purpose to liven things up. And Militao delivered it, crashing home from close range shortly after the hour following a deft play by Vinicius and a cross. However, the game came to an abrupt end just as it was getting started. The match was stopped for more than twenty minutes when some Atleti supporters threw objects at Courtois.

After a slow beginning, it appeared that Madrid would triumph. Late on, though, Correa saved the day by edging past Courtois, running through on goal and putting the ball over the line. But with seconds remaining, Marcos Llorente received a red card for a careless challenge on Fran Garcia, encapsulating the game’s ill-tempered tone. There was still time for more drama.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Made an important save early on. Dealt with riled-up fans throwing missiles onto the pitch in the second half. Will be disappointed to have conceded so late.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Some of his one-on-one defending was excellent, but he didn’t always have the requisite legs on the right.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Blocked a couple of shots, kept it simple in possession.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Excellent defensively for the most part, slammed one home. Was unfortunate to deflect the ball into Correa’s path for the equaliser.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Very assured, even if it was a rather quiet one for him. Did his job, and not much else.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Seemed to love the physicality of the game, but didn’t move the ball quickly enough.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

A bit of a mixed bag, all said. Fired some good attempts on goal, and never stopped running. He also made a few uncharacteristic errors in possession.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Occupied more of a left sided No.8 position, with Modric handed a central role. An impressive scrappy showing.

Luka Modric (8/10):

Barely misplaced a pass throughout, and served as a vital calming presence in midfield.

Attack

Rodrygo (5/10):

Has more freedom when Mbappe isn’t around. Didn’t do much with it, though, and went 0/3 on dribbles.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Jeered and booed every time he touched the ball – and was handled pretty well for an hour. Came alive, though, grabbed an assist, and caused problems with his pace and attacking intent.

Subs & Manager

Lucas Vazquez (7/10):

A cool head – and fresh legs.

Endrick (N/A):

Almost bashed one in from 35 yards shortly after coming on. Otherwise little to do.

Fran Garcia (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Made an interesting decision to start Modric – but he always seems to play in big games. Could do admittedly little about the last gasp winner… he seemed to get all of his subs right!