Madrid, September 19 (BNA): Real Madrid extended its perfect start to the La Liga season when it beat rivals Atlético 2-1 in the Metropolitano.
Despite being the second best team in long stretches of the first half, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were ruthless in front of goal as two goals from Rodrygo and Federico Valverde put them at the helm. Mario Hermoso scored a late goal for the hosts but were unable to equalize, Reuters reported.
The win means Real’s return to the top of the La Liga table with 18 points from six matches, two points ahead of Barcelona in second place. Atlético occupies seventh place, eight points behind its neighbours.
“You are always very happy after winning the derby,” Ancelotti said.
“We were able to double our lead and then defend really well. Our plan was to be solid in defense and play directly with the ball between the lines.
“That’s how we scored the goal and we knew that once we were 2-0 up the defense would be enough to cross the line.”
But the match was marred by Atletico fans chanting racist insults against Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior outside the Metropolitano before the derby match.
Diego Simeone’s side started superbly and approached defender Felipe and Yannick Carrasco but found themselves behind when Rodrygo finished off the visitors’ first attempt on goal in 18 minutes.
It was largely a goal from nothing, as Aurelien Chuamini’s pass hit the top with the hosts’ response and allowed the Brazilian to blast the ball into the net.
Antoine Griezmann saved Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the hosts looked as if they were regaining their strength, but Real doubled their lead with the next goal on goal when Valverde fired from close range after Vinicius’ shot rebounded from the post.
Atletico made the end point through substitute Hermoso’s header seven minutes before the end of the match after a rare mistake by Courtois, who misjudged a cross before the defender was sent off for a second offense in stoppage time, and Real stuck to collecting points.