Ronaldo rescues point for Real in hard-fought Madrid derby

La Liga, Vicente Calderon - Atletico Madrid 2 (Koke 28', Gabi 45') Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 3', Ronaldo 82')

Cristiano Ronaldo rescued a point for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid, keeping their place at the top of La Liga with a 2-2 draw in a fast and furious derby.

The result means Los Blancos remain three points ahead of their city rivals at the top of the league, although Barcelona can draw level with Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a win over Almeria tonight.

Karim Benzema gave Real Madrid the lead after just three minutes, turning home Angel Di Maria’s deep cross into the box at the back post.

However, conceding only seemed to fortify Atletico and soon they were battling with their city rivals, with Diego Costa and Raul Garcia winding up and antagonizing Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

Atletico found a leveller just before the half hour mark, when Koke fired low into the bottom corner after Arda Turan’s poked pass through a crowded Real Madrid backline.

And the home side took the lead seconds before the break, when Gabi Fernandez sensationally found the net from 30 yards, although Diego Lopez should have dealt better with the long-range strike.

But Real Madrid pegged back Atletico with just eight minutes remaining, when Cristiano Ronaldo found the net with a clinical finish from eight yards.

KEY EVENTS

3’ GOAL – It's a dream start for the visitors! Real play a clever flick and Benzema turns home at the back post from Di Maria's deep cross!

13’ PENALTY? – Huge call for the referee to make! Costa is brought down in the box by Ramos, who puts in a clumsy tackle. However the referee waves away the claims for a spot kick and books Turan for protesting.

29’ GOAL – Atletico are back in the game! Turan sucks two Real players to him before poking the ball through to Koke, who fires low into the bottom corner.

45’ GOAL – Unbelievable! The captain has unleashed a strike from about 30 yards out! Absolutely sensational! He's found the net from an incredible distance!

52’ CHANCE – Massive chance for Atletico! Costa is played through on goal but under pressure from Pepe he drags his shot wide of the target. The Real Madrid defender probably did just enough to put him off.

61’ BIG CALL – The referee has another big call to make! Costa cuts back in the box and goes down under the challenge of Pepe but Ferreiro waves away the claims for a penalty kick. Probably the correct decision.

83’ GOAL - He always scores! Ronaldo finds the bottom corner of the net after the ball is pulled back from the byline by Carvajal.

KEY STATS

Real Madrid are now unbeaten in their last 28 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 37 goals for Real Madrid this season, and has 45 goals for club and country.

Atletico Madrid have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.

TALKING POINT – Can Atletico Madrid still win the league?

Simone said before kick-off that his side really needed to beat Real Madrid if they were to revive their somewhat ailing title challenge. A draw keeps them within touching distance (three points) of the top but they will rue the missed opportunity to go joint-top with their biggest rivals.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Koke

The Spanish midfielder didn’t just score a final goal but also conducted Atletico Madrid’s midfield control and pressure from his position on the left side of the central trio. It’s easy to see why Manchester United see Koke as a solution to their midfield woes.

PLAYER RATINGS

Atletico Madrid – Courtois 7, Juanfran 5, Godin 5, Miranda 7, Luis 6, Gabi 7, Suarez 5, Koke 8, Garcia 6, Turan 7, Costa 5.

Real Madrid – Lopez 4, Arbeloa 4, Pepe 6, Ramos 6, Coentrao 4, Modric 6, Alonso 5, Di Maria 5, Bale 4, Ronaldo 7, Benzema 6. Subs – Marcelo 6, Carvajal 5, Isco 6.