Goals from James Rodriguez and Raul Garcia mean the Supercopa de Espana is all square after the first leg.
The World Cup Golden Boot netted first in a match that saw the referee busier than either goalkeeper. James’ goal deflected in off Cristian Ansaldi after Atletico failed to deal with a Dani Carvajal cross that was seeking out the run of Karim Benzema.
Garcia levelled with only minutes to go after Madrid struggled to cope with a corner, the midfielder able to poke home from close range after finding space in the six yard box.
The passing of Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano was marked before kick-off, with banners displaying the image of the multi-time European Cup winner in the stands, and one carrying the message ‘Thank you Alfredo’.
Every trophy won by Di Stefano while a Madrid player was on show on the pitch, while a string quartet played as fans, players and club staff paid their respects.
Madrid gave a start to summer signing Toni Kroos but he was the only one of the club’s three arrivals to feature from the off, Keylor Navas and James Rodriguez on the bench.
Atletico favoured Miguel Angel Moya over Jan Oblak in goal and had Guilherme Siqueira and Mario Mandzukic in the first XI, with Antoine Griezmann named among the substitutes.
The first incident of note set the tone for the game – Koke booked for a late challenge on Pepe with only four minutes on the clock. Cautions followed for Siqueira, Xabi Alonso, Mario Suarez, Mandzukic, Sergio Ramos and Raul Garcia.
Gareth Bale scuffed the match’s first effort on goal and Mandzukic responded with a more powerful attempt but it was Saul who had the clearest opening, latching on to a Sergio Ramos error, the youngster shooting tamely.
Madrid threatened when they were able to change the pace of the game and get behind the packed Atletico defence while Atleti were happy to contain the hosts.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Saul each had decent headed chances to open the scoring shortly before the interval but neither could find the target. It proved to be Ronaldo’s last involvement to speak of.
Madrid introduced James for Ronaldo at the break but it was Bale who made the first telling contribution, forcing Moya into his first save.
Atletico brought on Antoine Griezmann just before Mandzukic and Ramos clashed. The striker felled Ramos as he challenged for a high ball but Ramos appeared to lash out with his hand while the pair where on the ground. They both saw yellow for their part in the incident.
A Bale free-kick was parried by Moya straight to Kroos but the World Cup winner blasted over from virtually on the six-yard line. Madrid stepped up the tempo on the visitors but still struggled to create chances, Kroos’ wasted volley notwithstanding.
The game became stretched as Atletico used the space left by Madrid’s advancement, Benzema going close before James eventually converted after a Benzema-induced scramble. Koke nearly restored parity immediately, only for Iker Casillas to intervene.
But the goalkeeper was helpless as an unmarked Garcia netted to nab a valuable away goal, Casillas visibly frustrated at the state of the marking from his defence.
Mario later used his hands in a way Casillas would have approved of to maintain the draw but the referee never saw the infraction, the tie going to Vicente Calderon level, with it all to play for in Friday evening’s fixture.
Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
James 81 (RM), Garcia 88 (AM)
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Alonso, Modric (Di Maria 78); Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo (James 46)
Atletico Madrid: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira (Ansaldi 64); Mario, Gabi, Koke, Saul (Griezmann 57); Garcia; Mandzukic (Jimenez 78)
Referee: Estrada Fernandez
