The former AC Milan forward played a starring role, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side had to settle for a point after Marcos Llorente’s late equaliser

When Vinicius Jr. picked up an injury in the warm-up ahead of Sunday’s Madrid derby, someone had to step up for Real. Brahim Diaz answered the call and bagged Los Blancos’ only goal at Santiago Bernabeu. However, a last-minute defensive lapse meant his efforts did not come in a winning cause, as Real were forced to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.

The home side took the lead inside 20 minutes, with Vinicius’ replacement playing a starring role. The ball fell to Brahim in the box, who lifted an effort over to Jan Oblak to put the home side ahead. Atleti had a handful of clear chances to equalise, but Axel Witsel, Mario Hermoso, and Saul Niguez all dragged headers wide, giving the hosts a precarious lead at the break.

The visitors had the ball in the net shortly after the interval, but Stefan Savic’s header was disallowed for offside. At the other end, Real had two chances to extend their lead, but Rodrygo and Brahim failed to convert on clear opportunities.

Atleti capitalised on Madrid’s lack of incisiveness in second-half stoppage time as Marcos Llorente rose to head home and snatch a vital point, leaving La Liga’s title race very much still open.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

I was bailed out by an offside call in the second half but made a few vital interventions otherwise. I couldn’t do anything about the late goal. Much better than in the last Madrid derby.

Lucas Vazquez (7/10):

Played a crucial role in the opening goal. Scampered forward down the right wing with regularity. This is the kind of showing that Carvajal would be proud of.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Solid was in an unfamiliar role until late on. He failed to compete for a last-minute header, seeing his side settle for a point.

Nacho (5/10):

Reliable, if not particularly eye-catching, is at the back for the most part. A massive blunder in second-half stoppage time cost his side, though.

Ferland Mendy (7/10):

I held it down on the left side of the pitch. Offered vital defensive cover and kept the ball moving. He’s been reliable in recent weeks.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

His legs in central areas were important, and he threatened in the final third, too.

Toni Kroos (8/10):

He completed most of his passes and almost pinged a wonderful volley in from 20 yards out. tempo-setting, metronomic performance.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

He was impressed by his new role once again. He won the ball and broke lines with his pace. The goals have gone missing this campaign, though.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Not always involved in terms of goalscoring chances. Still, his work rate was invaluable, and he created opportunities for others. Probably should have been awarded a penalty on at least one occasion.

Attack

Brahim Diaz (8/10):

Replaced Vinicius in the XI and bagged the opener. A wonderful bit of play almost led to a second. He has been a more-than-agreeable backup for Vinicius and could be in line for a start before long.

Rodrygo (5/10):

It should have buried an effort to make it 2-0 after 65 minutes. I struggled to get involved, for the most part.

Subs & Manager

Joselu (5/10):

He made a nuisance of himself but didn’t offer much in material quality after scoring twice midweek

Luka Modric (6/10):

Came on and was as classy as ever. Not a bad bench option, is he?

Dani Ceballos (N/A):

There is no time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Forced into a late line-up decision with Vinicius out. His switch worked, and Madrid created problems going forward. Still, they were far from steady, and it was of little surprise that they conceded in the end.