The Madrid derby between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid, played on September 29, 2024, was marred by serious incidents in the stands of the Metropolitano Stadium. The match was interrupted for more than 20 minutes after objects were thrown at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, creating a tense and worrying atmosphere.
Although the match had started with excitement and a goal by Éder Militão that put Real Madrid ahead, the goalkeeper’s celebration provoked the anger of some fans. The situation escalated quickly, leading the referee to suspend play to ensure the safety of the players. Atletico’s coaches and players tried to calm their fans, but the tension remained.
This episode has resonated in international media, highlighting the urgent need to address violence in stadiums and to remember that soccer should be a positive spectacle.
Atlético's press release
Minutes after the match, Atlético de Madrid issued the following official statement:
“Atlético de Madrid wants to show its rejection for the throwing of objects that took place from a part of the south end stands in the 68th minute of the match against Real Madrid. From the very moment in which these throws took place, the club’s security department is working with the police to locate those involved, one of whom has already been identified. The club will apply the internal regime foreseen for very serious cases to the people who have been involved in this incident.”
Reactions from Simeone and Koke
Atletico’s coaches and players tried to calm their fans, but the tension remained. Both Diego Simeone and Koke expressed their dissatisfaction with the incidents and that everyone must take responsibility for creating a respectful atmosphere.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone criticized both the behavior of the ultras and the attitude of Courtois, suggesting that the goalkeeper had “charged” the stands with his celebration. Simeone called for sanctions for those who provoke fans and advocated a reflection on how the actions of players can influence the behavior of the public. Koke, captain of the team, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the incidents, stressing that such behavior has no place in soccer.
Correa Scores at the Last Gasp and Avoids Atletico's Derby Defeat
A goal by Argentine Ángel Correa in the 95th minute prevented Atletico Madrid’s defeat in the derby against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, equalizing in extremis Éder Militao’s goal in a match that was suspended for 22 minutes due to the throwing of objects. Carlo Ancelotti’s team, which had taken the lead with a powerful shot by Militao in the 64th minute, saw a victory that seemed assured until the final moments slip away. Despite the interruption and the tension generated by the incidents in the stands, the Atlético reaction came in stoppage time, when Correa scored a goal that was initially disallowed for offside, but finally validated after VAR review. This draw not only keeps Atletico competitive in the league, but also leaves a bittersweet feeling for Real Madrid, who continue their unbeaten streak but regret having let a crucial victory slip away.
