Atletico Madrid substitute Luciano Vietto scored a late goal to snatch a 1-1 draw against crosstown rival Real Madrid, denying Rafa Benitez’s side the chance to reclaim the Spanish league lead.
Karim Benzema gave Madrid a great start with his league-leading sixth goal to quiet the Vicente Calderon crowd just nine minutes into the match, and goalkeeper Keylor Navas protected that advantage by saving Antoine Griezmann’s penalty in the 22nd minute.
But as Madrid settled on defending instead of seeking a second goal to seal the win, Atletico titled the action toward Navas’ net and Vietto poked in a cross from fellow substitute Jackson Martinez that the goalie couldn’t handle in the 83rd.
Still unbeaten, Madrid squandered the opportunity to overtake Villarreal at the top of the standings after the leader lost 1-0 at Levante earlier.