Real win derby, rise to second
MADRID: In a derby marked by video review, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Saturday to overcome the city rival in the Spanish league standings and return to second place for the first time since September. An overhead kick by Casemiro, a penalty kick converted by Sergio Ramos, and a second-half goal by Gareth Bale led Real Madrid to their fifth straight league win.
Antoine Griezmann scored for Atletico, who lost at home in the league for the first time this season.
Griezmann’s goal was ini- tially disallowed for offside but the VAR reversed the call. Video review also had to be used to confirm the penalty that led to Ramos’ goal just before halftime, and to verify another offside call that disallowed a second-half equaliser by former Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata. It was also used when Morata wanted a penalty call - not awarded - later in the game.
Real Madrid have moved to within five points of leaders Barcelona, who visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Real Madrid hasn’t been this high in the standings since the seventh round.
Atletico, who were coming off a loss at Real Betis in what had been their first league loss since the third round, stayed six points off the lead.
The hosts played a man down from the 80th minute after midfielder Thomas Partey was sent off for a second yellow card.