Madrid Derby: Real Madrid defeats Atletico Madrid to ease pressure on Zinedine Zidane

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