Angel Correa celebrates his goal for Atletico Madrid against city rivals RealGetty Images

Angel Correa's late equaliser preserved Atletico Madrid's unbeaten start in La Liga this season

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Substitute Angel Correa scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Atletico Madrid against city rivals Real Madrid in a derby that was halted for about 20 minutes midway through the second half following crowd issues.

Shortly after Eder Militao had scored Real's opener in the 64th minute, visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois complained to officials that home fans behind his goal were throwing objects onto the field.

An announcement was made over the public address system inside the stadium and, after speaking to both managers, the referee asked the teams to return to their respective dressing rooms.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone and several of his players attempted to calm the situation by speaking to a group of home supporters in the stand.

When play resumed, Brazil centre-back Militao's deflected strike from inside the box looked like being enough for a Real victory.

However, Correa rounded Courtois to bundle home the leveller and, although the goal was initially disallowed, it was later awarded when the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed the Argentina international was onside when racing on to the through-ball.

There was still time for Atletico's Marcos Llorente to be sent off for a lunging late challenge on Fran Garcia, in a derby contest that only came to life following the temporary suspension.

Leaders Barcelona, whose 100% winning start was ended by a loss to Osasuna on Saturday, are three points clear of second-placed Real at the top of the table, with Atletico two points further back in third spot.

The two Madrid rivals are the only sides yet to lose in La Liga this term.

Carlo Ancelotti's team extended their unbeaten league run to 40 matches, a sequence that stretches back to Real's defeat in last season's corresponding fixture with Atletico in September 2023.

Without marquee summer signing Kylian Mbappe because of a thigh injury, Real almost doubled their advantage following the resumption, but home goalkeeper Jan Oblak superbly kept out a low shot from Vinicius Jr - a save which proved crucial.

Courtois thwarted substitute Samuel Lino at the other end with a fine save as Atletico pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages.

Eventually, it was another replacement, Correa, who restored parity for the hosts in the fifth minute of added time, before they had Llorente dismissed four minutes later for a foul that saw a yellow card upgraded to red by VAR.

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