A goal in each half saw Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid play out a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It marks the second time this season that the city rivals have been inseparable in LaLiga.
Despite both teams having opportunities to snatch a winner, neither could find the decisive goal, and they were forced to settle for a point apiece.
Atletico, known for their structured and disciplined approach under Diego Simeone, began the match with a clear intent to frustrate the hosts and strike on the counter.
They were rewarded for their efforts in the 35th minute when a swift attacking move led to Samuel Lino being caught in the penalty area by Aurelien Tchouameni.
After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, allowing Julian Alvarez to step up and convert with confidence, sending the ball down the middle to put Atletico ahead.
Real Madrid, struggling to break down Atletico’s compact defence in the first half, emerged from the break with renewed urgency.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side wasted no time in responding, and within five minutes of the restart, Kylian Mbappe levelled the score. The French forward pounced on a loose ball inside the box after Jude Bellingham’s initial effort was blocked, hammering his shot past Jan Oblak to restore parity.
🏁 @RealMadridEn 1-1 @AtletiEnglish
⚽ 35′ Julián Alvarez (p).
⚽ 50′ @KMbappe
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/KObxqYo2A0— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 8, 2025
The equaliser sparked a wave of pressure from Los Blancos, who began to dominate proceedings.
Rodrygo and Bellingham both came close to giving Real the lead, with the latter striking the crossbar with a powerful header. Vinicius Junior was also a constant threat down the left flank, linking up well with his team-mates to create openings.
Atletico, meanwhile, looked to hit on the break but found it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances in the second half.
The introduction of Alexander Sorloth and Angel Correa added fresh legs in attack, yet the visitors lacked the clinical edge to reclaim the lead.
Antoine Griezmann, making his 300th appearance for Atletico, struggled to make an impact as Real Madrid’s defence remained solid.
As the game entered the final moments, both managers made tactical adjustments, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga coming on to provide additional creativity for Real Madrid.
Ancelotti’s side continued to push for a winner, but Atletico held their ground, ensuring they would leave the Bernabeu with a point.
The result keeps them top of LaLiga, but they will now shift their focus to a crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have a week to prepare for their next league fixture against Celta Vigo.