Real Madrid vs Atletico result: Karim Benzema leads leaders past city rivals
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Real extended their lead at the top to six points with Barcelona to play Levante on Sunday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Karim Benzema fired Real Madrid to a 1-0 win in the city derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday which underlined Real's La Liga title credentials.
The French forward side-footed home a cross from compatriot Ferland Mendy to break the deadlock in a tight game in the 56th minute after coach Zinedine Zidane had sprung a double substitution to give his team more width.
Benzema's strike gave Real their first home victory over Atletico in the league since 2012 and increased their lead over Barcelona at the top of the table to six points. Barca can reduce the margin to three if they beat Levante on Sunday.
Atletico are fifth and trail their local rivals by 13 points, while their injury problems deepened when striker Alvaro Morata limped off early in the second half with a suspected muscle problem.
Re-live the game as it happened:
Please allow the blog to load.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
65: All the attacking play now is coming from the players wearing white and Atletico appear to be able to do little to halt the waves coming their way.
Vinicius, full of confidence after his fine assist, brilliantly touches down a long pass and forces Oblak into action with an effort from range after cutting in from the right.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
That was Benzema's first goal in the Madrid derby at the Bernabeu. 16 games and 34 shots has led to this moment.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
66: Felipe is the first player into the book after he brings down Lucas Vazquez as Real look to break.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
68: Atletico Madrid heads, it may surprise you to learn, are starting to go. This could get ugly.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
70: Yannick Carrasco is on to make to make his second Atleti debut after joining on loan late last week. He replaces Correa.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
74: Real continue to move forward with alarming ease, what's less concerning to Atleti is Mendy's ability to shoot. A low cross to the centre of the pitch is hit comically over the bar by the defender.
Thomas Partey makes way for Sergio Camello.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
It will be really interesting to see how good Valverde can get. He always delivers in the big games and is putting in another fine shift this afternoon.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
81: Vrsaljko is in the book for a late shove on his marker.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid
84: It's getting a little feisty out there as Mendy leaves a foot in when challenging Vrsaljko for the ball. Atletico players are very unhappy with him for that, with some justification too.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments