The match between Madrid and Atletico ended in a draw, but left embarrassing images. The match could have been remembered for the attendance record broken at Metropolitano, but is on everyone's lips because of the objects thrown at Courtois, the chants of some of the fans and the weapon allegedly carried by one of the Rojiblanco fans.

A record in the shadow of the ultras

70,112 fans entered Cívitas Metropolitano to witness the clash between the two eternal rivals of the Spanish capital, Real Madrid and Atlético, beating the previous attendance record. Until this Sunday, the highest number of fans that had shown up at the Rojiblancos’ home was 69,196 fans during the Champions League match against Inter Milan last season.

However, this record was overshadowed by events in the stands and on the pitch. It was Oblak who had more work to do due to Madrid's fierce attacks, but all the limelight was taken by Thibaut Courtois after Militao's goal in the 63rd minute. The goalkeeper turned to the stands occupied by the Frente Atlético ultras who had earlier chanted Courtois, die with a gesture that didn’t exactly calm them down.

Objects started flying towards the Belgian goalkeeper, and the referee decided to stop the match in the 68th minute. Although a ten-minute break was announced, the match resumed after about ten more, while Simeone and several Rojiblancos players tried to calm the atmosphere in the stands.

The match ended in a draw thanks to Correa, who scored in the 95' to even the score. However, the story did not end there, as after leaving the stadium some fans vandalized Courtois' plaque, which was already littered before the match. Minutes earlier the Atleti players had headed towards the south end to thank the ultras for their support, provoking whistles from the rest of the Rojiblancos’ fans gathered in the stands.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak 

In search of the culprit

We also as players have to be smarter, Koke told DAZN after the match, referring to the situation. Simeone spoke out similarly, calling for a sanction for the Madrid goalkeeper. People don't react just because, they react for a reason, he opined, although he made it clear that this does not justify the behavior of some fans.

Much more cautious was Ancelotti's assessment. I am just a coach, I have to evaluate and have control of the sporting aspect. There are people more expert than me to make the right decisions, the Italian responded when asked about the embarrassing moments witnessed during the match.

Atletico Madrid issued a statement making it clear that these attitudes have no place in soccer. The club assured that it was investigating with the police to identify the culprits, although in its view the fans had demonstrated exemplary behavior in the vast majority.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak 

Police accuses Atletico of not letting them intervene

Inspector José Luis Tucho assured in an interview for 'El Chiringuito' that they had already identified some of those involved in the events, and that one of them was carrying other objects. Asked if he was referring to a weapon, he replied could be without going into further details.

Ibon Dominquez, spokesman for the police association JUPOL said in the program 'La mirada crítica' of Telecinco that The National Police was not allowed to intervene and spoke of neo-Nazi ultras. Atlético de Madrid did not want the National Police forces to deploy at that moment, the spokesman said, and then accused the club's management of having long supported this ultra group.

The Metropolitano is now facing a possible sanction of two or even three matches of partial closure, which will affect the Fondo Sur, since that is where the Grada de Animación is located from which the ultras threw objects at Courtois.