Benzema scores crucial late goal for Real Madrid as derby with Atletico ends in draw
- Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid ended in a stalemate at the Wanda Metropolitano
- Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema both grabbed a goal for either side in the tense match
- Los Blancos are still eight points behind the league leaders while Barcelona have closed the gapto five points
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Karim Benzema scored a late equalizer as the Madrid derby between Real and Atletico ended in a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico had led the game from the first half through Luis Suarez but surrendered the lead to a late Benzema's strike.
Rojiblancos created the better chances in the game as Thibaut Courtois was called into action by Suarez early on in the game.
Source: Getty Images
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And they were rewarded in the 15th minute after Marcos Llorente went past Nacho Fernandez and sleeked a pass through to Suarez who finished in style to make it 1-0.
There were appeals for a penalty from Madrid players after Mario Hermoso's handled the ball in the box but after a look at the VAR the spot-kick was not given.
The second half was even better than the first for Atletico as they almost doubled the advantage within the space of two minutes.
Yannick Carrasco unselfishly laid a pass for Suarez and Courtois came out big to make the save. Suarez was in a similar position later on but the Belgian was equal to the task.
Los Blancos made another costly error from Raphael Varane but Atletico could not make it count as the opportunity was wasted.
The match seemed to be heading for a draw as the defending champions struck with a minute left to play in the game.
Benzema made his way through the defence of Atelico and exchanged a one-two pass with Casimero before scoring into an empty net as the game ended 1-1.
The title race is still up for grabs as Atletico's lead has been reduced to five points by Barcelona but Madrid are eight points behind the leaders.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in a La Liga game played at the Alfred Stefano Stadium.
Christian Portu opened the scoring in the second half while Vinicius Junior saved Madrid's blushes with a minute left of the clock.
Los Merengues started the first half the better side and created a couple of decent chances but could not find the ball in the back of the net.
Akan Anwankwo is a sports editor with Legit.ng and has 7 years of field and office experience. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 2014 with a Bachelors degree in English and Literature Studies. Akan intends to educate, inform and make readers passionate about sports. Learn more about him on his Twitter handle: @ anwankwo_akan
Source: Legit.ng
