Last Updated: March 7, 2021 7:33 pm
Real Madrid fought back from a goal down to secure a share of the spoils versus Atletico this evening, with Casemiro having again proven key when it mattered most.
Benzema cancels out Suarez
The marquee fixture of the La Liga weekend played out at the Wanda Metropolitano a short time ago.
The clash saw rivalries renewed between two of Spanish football’s biggest clubs, as title-chasing Atleti played host to fellow capital giants Real.
It was of course the former who headed into proceedings boasting the advantage in the table, sitting two points clear of Barcelona at the division’s summit, whilst boasting a game in hand.
And, when Luis Suarez opened the afternoon’s scoring with a wonderful right-footed finish, Diego Simeone’s men looked primed to extend the gap:
Luis Suarez continues his phenomenal season as he puts Atleti ahead in the derby with the outside of his right foot! 🔴⚪
He just loves scoring against Real Madrid 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1r4R6JoxBh
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 7, 2021
Champions Real, however, can never be counted out, and, despite leaving it late, eventually hit back.
The identity of the man to level things up came as little surprise, as a concerted push on the part of Los Blancos resulted in Karim Benzema sweeping home into an empty net from close range, three minutes from time:
Real Madrid find a late equaliser! 😱
Brilliant from Benzema and Casemiro, and the No. 9 applies the finish ⚪ pic.twitter.com/4kiN1m6bDz
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 7, 2021
This proved the game’s final telling moment, as Barcelona proved the biggest beneficiaries of a tense derby stalemate.
Casemiro crucial
In turn, on the back of proceedings coming to a close at the Metropolitano, it has since come as little surprise to see point-saving Benzema grab the majority of the headlines.
The contributions of one Real star to have gone largely under the radar, however, are those of Casemiro.
The Brazilian was once again key to Los Merengues’ comeback this evening, going about his business in the middle of the park with trademark vigour and drive.
It was also his surge forward which ultimately resulted in the game’s equaliser, as Casemiro kept his head to square for the waiting Benzema to slot home.
And this proved just the latest in what is quickly becoming a lengthy string of moments in which Real’s midfield enforcer has stepped up to the plate when it mattered most.
Back in December, Casemiro was also on target as Zinedine Zidane and co. got the better of Atleti in a derby clash at the Bernabeu, whilst the midfielder’s last-gasp goal and assist versus Borussia Monchengladbach back in October proved critical in keeping his side’s Champions League campaign alive.
No player won more duels (11), made more tackles (6), created more chances (3) or made more interceptions (2) in the Madrid derby than Casemiro.
And he came up clutch with the assist for the equaliser. 😤 pic.twitter.com/LgHpdDB4oN
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 7, 2021
Manchester City vs Manchester United live streaming: Watch Premier League online
Video: Ilaix Moriba proves exactly why Man United are keen with brilliant first Barcelona goal
This article was edited by Josh Barker.
Source: 101greatgoals.com
