Cristiano Ronaldo is inarguably one of the best athletes in the world and he proved his worth on Sunday when his team Real Madrid played away to local rivals Atlético Madrid.

Atlético Madrid has been enjoying a highly successful season, much to the chagrin of the Madridistas or supporters of the club Real Madrid. Real Madrid managed to leap frog into front place over Atlético on goal difference, thanks to a surprising FC Barcelona defeat last week.

The three teams have been in a heated race for first place, which could very well come down to the wire. Defeating Real Madrid would have been crucial for Atlético not only getting the upper hand against Real, but creating space between themselves and the ever lethal Barcelona.

Despite Karim Benzema’s goal three minutes in, Atlético appeared to be a team on the mission. Jorge Koke tied the game up twenty-five minutes after Benzema’s goal. A second goal at the very end of the first half came courtesy of Fernandez Gabi. For much of the second half, they dominated Real Madrid, in a performance that many assumed would result in a win for the home team.

2-2: Real Madrid stay top with a draw at the Calderón http://t.co/8LSMZ8gN2k #AtletiRealMadrid #Halamadrid pic.twitter.com/offExrt1il

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 2, 2014

But then with eight minutes of regular playing time left, Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing goal and brought Real Madrid back into the game. Though neither side was able to squeeze out a winning goal, Ronaldo’s effort saved Real Madrid from a crushing away defeat to their local rivals and kept them on top of the La Liga table.

It may have been disappointing to not win, but with Barcelona soundly defeating Almería 4 – 1, it is the point that separates Real Madrid from their other fierce rival. Real Madrid is meanwhile three points ahead of Atlético Madrid.

All three members of the triangular rivalry are also holding their own in the Champions League. It’s very possible that should the teams successfully make it to the knock-out round of competition, we will be seeing more of the intense competition between these sides playing out on yet another stage.

Image via YouTube