Griezmann goal prevents Real Madrid derby victory

Sports Desk: Antoine Griezmann was the hero for Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone's side held La Liga leaders Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in the Madrid derby.

The draw leaves Real three points above Barcelona in the table, with the latter due to play Malaga on Saturday night, with Real to have a game in hand after full time in that game. Barcelona will go top temporarily on goal difference should they beat Malaga.

Real took a 52nd minute lead against Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu as centre back Pepe headed in a Toni Kroos delivery from a free kick.

But in form Atletico, who face Leicester City on Wednesday in the Champions League quarter final first leg, battled back as Griezmann slid in to score with five minutes of action to go.

Atletico remain third in the table, 10 points (and having played a game more) behind Real.

It is a pivotal month in the title race for Real and Barcelona with the two rivals set to face off in El Clasico on April 23rd at the Bernabeu.

Victory for either side would swing the pendulum of the title race decisively as the first Clasico of the season ended in a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp in December.

Agencies


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