Feb 09 (V7N) — Kylian Mbappe scored on his Madrid derby debut to salvage a 1-1 draw for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, keeping Los Blancos top of La Liga in a heated clash.

Atletico took the lead through a controversial penalty, coolly converted by Julian Alvarez, but Mbappe struck early in the second half to ensure Madrid remained one point ahead of their city rivals.

With Barcelona set to face Sevilla on Sunday, the title race remains wide open.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti deployed an ultra-attacking lineup featuring Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, but the first half was a tight, physical battle with few clear chances.

Tempers flared when Dani Ceballos escaped with a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pablo Barrios. But it was Real Madrid who were furious when referee Cesar Soto Grado awarded Atletico a penalty after a VAR review.

Aurelien Tchouameni, filling in at center-back, accidentally stepped on Samuel Lino’s foot, prompting the referee to point to the spot—even though the ball had already gone past both players.

Real Madrid fans erupted in anger, chanting “Corruption in the federation”, echoing the club’s recent criticism of Spanish refereeing decisions.

Alvarez held his nerve, executing a cheeky Panenka penalty past Andriy Lunin to give Atletico a 1-0 lead.

“I was a little nervous,” Alvarez admitted post-match, “but I knew what I was going to do.”

Real Madrid responded strongly in the second half, increasing the tempo and putting Atletico on the back foot.

Their persistence paid off in the 49th minute, when Rodrygo broke free down the right and squared the ball for Bellingham. The English midfielder’s shot was blocked, but Mbappe reacted quickly to slot home the rebound.

Madrid nearly took the lead moments later, as Bellingham hit the crossbar with a header before Jan Oblak saved another effort from the Englishman.

Oblak also denied Vinicius and Rodrygo late in the game as Madrid dominated possession, but Atletico held on for the draw.

Despite dropping points, Ancelotti remained upbeat:

"The team is disappointed because they think they deserved more... but we’re still leaders."

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone acknowledged Atletico’s struggles:

"We had a good first half, but we weren't clinical enough."

Real Madrid now turn their attention to a huge Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday, while Atletico remain firmly in the title race.

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