Madrid, Sep 29 (IANS) Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to continue their 100 percent record this season.
Diego Costa’s 11th minute goal Saturday night was enough to decide a pulsating match and give Atletico their first league win over their neighbours since 1999, reports Xinhua.
A wet pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu assured it was a fast-paced game between two of the bitterest rivals in Spain, but it was Atletico who adjusted better to the conditions.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had clearly decided it was not a night to take risks and partnered Asier Illaramendi with Sami Khedira in central midfield, leaving Luka Modric on the subs’ bench. Gareth Bale was also on the bench after missing out last week due to a slight muscle injury.
With Atletico starting with six wins from six games and Real Madrid two points behind, it was always going to be fast and tense and that is exactly how the game developed with the ball going from end to end at lightning speed and nobody pulling out of challenges.
Costa put Atletico ahead after 11 minutes, getting in behind Alvaro Arbeloa to slot a Koke pass past Diego Lopez to make it 1-0.
Atletico coach Diego Pablo Simeone has molded his side into a tight, compact outfit and they were making life hard for Real Madrid’s strikers, with Karim Benzema looking especially unhappy and Atletico had a chance to go two up as Diego saved Gabi’s header and Costa’s follow up just four minutes before the break.
Ancelotti reacted at halftime by bringing on Bale and Modric for Angel de Maria and Illaramendi but it was Atletico who had the best chance as Costa was clean through after 60 minutes only for the striker to see his effort blocked by Lopez, before Pepe blocked Gabi’s follow up.
Ronaldo saw a shot fumbled by Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois with 20 minutes remaining but overall Real Madrid lacked their usual precision in their play and it was Atletico who again came closest to scoring after Koke hit the crossbar.
