In recent years, games between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have featured some of Spanish soccer’s biggest stars, but Gabi, Atletico Madrid’s relatively unheralded captain, produced the finest moment of Sunday’s Madrid derby.
Just before halftime, Gabi unleashed a right-footed rocket from 35 yards out, which seemed to gather speed in flight before beating Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Gabi, 30, has a well-earned reputation as an industrious center midfielder with a defensive inclination. Sunday’s long-range strike was Gabi’s second goal in 41 games (in all competitions) this season.
Gabi’s goal gave Atletico Madrid a 2-1 lead at halftime, but Real Madrid scored the tying goal late in the hard-fought game to secure a draw.
The result kept Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga (Spanish first division) standings — three points ahead of second-place Atletico Madrid and four ahead of Barcelona, which plays later Sunday.
See Gabi’s goal below.
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GIF via Reddit
