These performances have been missing for Atletico Madrid. Too often, veteran manager Diego Simeone's signature suffocating style has failed to produce the traditional results that led him to be the join-most experienced manager in club history.
But on Saturday, his tactics were executed to perfection in a 1-1 draw.
Real Madrid had few clear opportunities, with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior mostly quieted. Atleti enjoyed the odd promising burst forward, particularly over the opening 45 minutes.
The Rojiblancos kept it tight for the remainder of the game, staying in it even after substituted midfielder Angel Correa was sent off under controversial circumstances. They were rewarded for their defensive grit and grabbed a crucial goal at the other end.
Antoine Griezmann whipped in a great cross, which Jose Gimenez guided into the far corner, giving Atleti a 1-0 lead with 12 minutes remaining.
But Real Madrid got a moment of magic from an unlikely source to salvage a point, as 18-year-old Alvaro Rodriguez nodded a header home in his second La Liga appearance.
Still, this one was all about a vintage showing from a manager who showed he can still inspire a perfect big-game performance all on his own terms.
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