After the score was leveled at 1–1, the match once again descended into a stalemate.
Atletico Madrid began defending even more tightly. Their five-man midfield, especially the three-defensive-midfielder setup, completely sealed off the area in front of the box, making it difficult for Real Madrid to pass into the penalty area and create danger.
Real Madrid also recognized the problem, so Ancelotti brought on Marcelo, planning to open up the game through the wings and make both flanks fly again, with Yang Yang and Suarez waiting inside the box to meet crosses and attack the ball.
Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, and Filipe could be called Europe's Strongest defensive line over the past year. They conceded very few goals, and every player had performed outstandingly. With five midfielders in front of them as well, whether Koke or Raul Garcia, they were all extremely disciplined tactically, making it difficult for Real Madrid to create danger from the wings.
There were plenty of crosses from the flanks, but none of them managed to create any precise threat.
When it came to defending, if Atletico Madrid ranked second in La Liga this season, no one would probably dare claim first place.
Especially in the seventy-fifth minute, when Yang Yang suddenly appeared on the right. After retreating to intercept Atletico Madrid's pass, he turned and drove forward with the ball, quickly shaking off Filipe and Godín before cutting inside to the edge of the box and shooting.
Caught between Miranda and Godín, Yang Yang's shot lacked power and was safely caught by Courtois. However, it made Simeone realize the danger, so he immediately made a substitution.
The Belgian defender Alderweireld, from Ajax, replaced the exhausted Filipe. Atletico Madrid had now used all three of their substitutions for the match.
Alderweireld played center-back. He was an excellent