Atletico Madrid 1-3 Real Madrid
If this was only about playing for pride, as far as this season’s La Liga title is concerned, then it showed just how important victory was to both sides.
The title of best club in the city is one both crave with a passion, irrespective of whether there is a championship to contest, and no quarter was duly given on or off the pitch.
Pride and loyalty counts for a lot in the Spanish capital as Thibaut Courtois, formerly of Atletico (during a three-year loan spell), found out.
He was showered with toy rats as he entered the field of play with many Atletico supporters naturally bitter towards the Belgian for what they deem as a betrayal.
A plaque that bears his name outside the stadium was also vandalised.
Yet Courtois and his team-mates had the last laugh.
Highlights of the game
There had been time for reflection with a minute’s silence observed before the match in memory of Isacio Calleja, one of the greatest players in Atletico’s history over 14 successful seasons.
It would have been interesting to find out what Real fans made of Alvaro Morata starting for Atletico against his former club, too.
Coach Diego Simeone handed the on-loan Chelsea man a starting berth as he partnered Antoine Griezmann on the attack.
Chasing victory which would overtake Atletico and put them into second spot, Real started in the ascendancy.
They were rewarded just after a quarter of an hour when Toni Kroos delivered a corner and the unmarked Casemiro expertly and somewhat acrobatically volleyed past Jan Oblak – one of the early La Liga 2019 highlights.
Moments after being booked, Griezmann continued his fine form with his eighth goal in his last nine games.
Angel Correa slipped the ball through and the Atletico number seven had plenty to do but coolly slipped the ball underneath Courtois.
After a few tense moments and a look at VAR, referee Estrada Fernandez ruled the goal stood. It was his 10th goal of the campaign.
The next goal was always likely to be crucial, and it was skipper Sergio Ramos who restored the visitors’ lead with a penalty.
Jose Gimenez fouled the lively Vinicius Junior in the box, and Ramos made no mistake from the spot.
It took his derby account to six goals in 41 games against Atletico while bringing his tally for the campaign to 11 goals.
Surprisingly though, it was Ramos’ first La Liga goal against Atletico.
Chances came and went and Atletico would have been level again. but for VAR which ruled out a glorious finish from Morata for offside.
It was left to substitute Gareth Bale, on for Vinicius, to wrap up the victory as he converted Luka Modric’s pass to make the game safe and ruin my SBOBET prediction of a draw.
He has been under fire of late, but it is hard to argue with Bale’s Real record.
Atletico’s frustrations were compounded when Thomas Partey was shown a second yellow card for lunging in on Kroos and catching him on the ankle.
Real, who are now up to second, are in good form, and this was perhaps the most impressive victory since Santiago Solari took charge. His side absorbed some of Atletico’s heaviest punches but responded with the dangerous playmaking of Karim Benzema, Vinicius and Modric, combined with a stout defence.
It may be premature to speak of a Real renaissance, but this victory will certainly do them the power of good.
The La Liga 2019 betting odds look a bit more favourable for them, even if a title race seems unlikely.
Key statistics
Bale has now scored 100 goals for Real (in 217 games for the club).
Casemiro’s goal was the fastest Atletico have conceded in La Liga since they moved to their new home 18 months ago.
It was also the first time they have conceded two goals at home in the first half in their new stadium in all competitions.
Griezmann is now the highest scorer in Madrid derbies of players currently available with six goals.
Ramos has now equalled Jose Antonio Camacho’s 414 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos. Ramos has also now scored against 26 Spanish top-flight opponents.
No away player has won more times at the Metropolitano than Courtois (one for Chelsea in last season’s Champions League and one today).
What’s next?
Atletico go to Rayo Vallecano next weekend and then host Juventus in a massive Champions League tie four days later (February 20).
Real are in knockout stages action this Wednesday with a trip to Ajax before entertaining Girona in La Liga next Sunday (February 17).
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