Atletico edge depleted Real in derby duel
MADRID: Atletico Madrid won a La Liga derby against Real Madrid for the first time in six years on Sunday as a 1-0 victory left Diego Simeone’s side on the cusp of securing Champions League qualification.
Yannick Carrasco’s first-half penalty proved enough at the Wanda Metropolitano against a heavily weakened Real Madrid, who took the chance to rotate after their incredible Champions League comeback against Manchester City on Wednesday.
With Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Thibaut Courtois among those on the bench for the already-crowned champions, Atletico took advantage, even if they missed a string of chances that made the contest far more uncomfortable than it needed to be.
Atletico sit fourth, six points clear of Real Betis in fifth, with three games left to play.
Their better head-to-head record over Betis means they will be guaranteed to finish in the top four if Betis fail to win away at Valencia today.
If Betis beat Valencia, Atletico can make sure of their spot themselves by winning away at Elche tomorrow.
“It is very important to qualify and we have to get one more win in three games to achieve it,” said Atletico captain Koke. “If we work like this, we’ll get there.”
Sevilla’s place also looks almost sealed after a 1-1 draw away at Villarreal earlier on Sunday gave them a sevenpoint cushion over Betis.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “We have rested some players, we have avoided problems, and we have given minutes to those who have had less. It will be like this for the next few games.”