Following the Madrid derby on February 8, 2025, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé for his impressive performance.
“Good game, I must applaud him for that because I wasn’t expecting that from him,” Simeone admitted.
Atlético initially took the lead through a Julián Álvarez penalty, but Real Madrid equalized after halftime when Mbappé pounced on a rebound from a Jude Bellingham shot, showcasing his sharp positioning and finishing.
Simeone acknowledged his team’s strong start but regretted their missed opportunities. “We didn’t have the clarity to take advantage of the situations we created,” he said. He also noted that in the second half, as Real Madrid increased their intensity, Atlético still managed to create important chances.
With the draw, Real Madrid remains atop LaLiga with 50 points, just one ahead of Atlético, keeping the title race tight.
Simeone’s recognition of Mbappé reflects the respect between the city’s rivals and highlights the intense competition at the top of Spanish football.
