The highly anticipated Spanish La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid was suspended for 20 minutes due to crowd unrest at the Estádio Cívitas Metropolitano.
The Madrid derby game was halted midway through the second half after Atletico fans began throwing items onto the pitch, prompting concerns for players’ safety.
However, it was Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who complained to officials about the objects being thrown from behind his goal, following Eder Militao’s opening goal in the 64th minute.
Afterward, an announcement was made over the public address system, and after consulting with both managers, the referee ordered the teams to return to their dressing rooms.
Atletico players, including captain Koke, and manager Diego Simeone were seen appealing to their fans for calm, attempting to diffuse the tense situation.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid players were willing to continue playing, but the referee followed La Liga protocols and took the players off the field.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was seen clearing items from his area, including a lighter that he handed over to officials.
The play eventually resumed after 20 minutes break, and Atletico pushed for an equalizer.
Substitute Angel Correa delivered in stoppage time, rounding Courtois to split the points in the Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid match.
Meanwhile, the goal was initially disallowed but later awarded after VAR confirmed Correa was onside.
The dramatic equalizer secured a 1-1 draw for Atletico, denying Real Madrid a derby victory.
Diego Simeone Slams Courtois, Stating Reason For The Madrid Derby Chaos
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has criticized Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his goal celebration, accusing him of provoking the home fans.
In a post-match interview with DAZN, Simeone stated: “You can celebrate a goal, but not by looking at the fans, having a go, making gestures like that.”
Simeone suggested Courtois’ actions contributed to the tense atmosphere, sparking anger among Atletico supporters.
“The fans don’t just become angry by themselves, they become angry for a reason,” Simeone added.
The Atletico manager also highlighted Courtois’ past experiences with Real Madrid fans, who had previously thrown lighters at him during his time at Atletico.
Simeone questioned: “When Courtois was with us, they threw lighters at him, and now he’s celebrating in front of our fans?”
Carlo Ancelotti Speaks On The Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Match suspension
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has endorsed the referee’s decision to suspend the match due to crowd unrest, calling it “correct.”
Following the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti urged his team to remain upbeat despite conceding a late equalizer.
“We were very close to winning, but this can happen. The opponent is very strong,” Ancelotti said.
The two Madrid rivals are the only sides yet to lose in La Liga campaign this season.
Furthermore, the result maintained Real Madrid’s unbeaten league run, now at 40 matches, dating back to September 2023.
What’s next for Atletico Madrid And Real Madrid?
Both Madrid rivals will next be seen in Champions League action as Atletico play Benfica while Real take on Lille on Wednesday, October 2nd. The kick off for both matches is 20:00 GMT.
