We can leave here reinforced: Ancelotti

Ronaldo salvages point for Real to draw against Atletico.

MADRID: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction after Cristiano Ronaldo equalised eight minutes from time to ensure that his team remains on top of La Liga thanks to a pulsating 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

Real remain three points clear of Atletico but Barcelona moved to within a point of the leaders as they beat Almeria 4-1 on Sunday.

Karim Benzema had fired Real into a third minute lead when he converted Angel di Maria’s cross.



However, despite being denied what appeared a penalty when Sergio Ramos seemed to trip Diego Costa, Atletico were in front by half-time thanks to fine strikes by Koke and Gabi.

Another turned down penalty appeal saw Atletico assistant boss Mono Burgos sent to the stands as he tried to confront the referee midway through the second-half.

And Atletico were left to feel hard done by when Ronaldo spun on the edge of the box to drill home a late equaliser.

“I think we can leave here reinforced, we have drawn a game in which we were losing,” said Ancelotti.

“The reaction of the players was good and in general we can be satisfied because Atletico Madrid are a very good team, especially at home.

“We are still three points ahead of them and we are leaders.”

Gabi rues missed chance to top table

Atletico captain Gabi was understandably left enraged as his side missed out on a possible return to the top of the table.

“I leave with a bad taste in my mouth,” he told Spanish TV channel Canal Plus.

“It was a very open game with chances for both teams but I am proud of Atletico.

“We wanted to offer this intensity and desire to the fans and I think that is what we did.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.