Real Madrid triumphed over their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the El Derbi Madrileño and ultimately ended their rival’s 26-game unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on Saturday.
Los Blancos translated their form from their midweek Champions League success to produce an accomplished display and inflict a first league loss on Atletico since the start of February.
Casemiro led the way for Real, heading them in front after 15 minutes while Dani Carvajal’s long-range effort bounced off a post and in off Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the second half to seal the victory.
Real Madrid, having made sure of a place in the knockout phase of the Champions League with victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night, started well and Jan Oblak was forced to make a save to deny Karim Benzema in the early exchanges.
The home side however took the lead after 15 minutes as Casemiro connected his head to a cross from a corner by Toni Kroos.
French midfielder Lemar almost pulled Atletico level in the 55th minute when he fired into the side-netting but it was Real Madrid who would double their lead in the 63rd minute; Kroos’ floated free-kick was headed back out towards Carvajal.
The defender collected the ball on his chest before firing a long-range effort against a post and in off Oblak as he dived for an own goal.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao drew 2-2, Sevilla won 1-0 at Getafe and Huesca beat Alaves 1-0.
La Liga Results
Saturday, December 12
- Valencia 2-2 Athletic Bilbao
- Getafe 0-1 Sevilla
- SD Huesca 1-0 Alaves
- Real Madrid 2-0 Atletico Madrid
