Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

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

Jack Watson
Saturday 01 February 2020 13:00 EST
Comments
Karim Benzema celebrates scoring Real Madrid's winning goal
Karim Benzema celebrates scoring Real Madrid's winning goal (Reuters)

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

88: I wish I could bring you news of some good football but it's handbags again. Casemiro is booked after players from both sides and the referee bicker over a spicy tackle from Felipe, who is already booked, on Valverde.

Jack Watson1 February 2020 16:47

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Jack Watson1 February 2020 16:49

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

90+1: Real Madrid supporters are chanting for Diego Simeone to stay. Great banter.

Jack Watson1 February 2020 16:50

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

It wasn't a classic, in fact none of the games between the top sides have been especially memorable, but Real Madrid don't mind as they put six points between them and Barcelona, who host Levante tomorrow, at the top of La Liga.

Jack Watson1 February 2020 16:51

Man of the match

Ernesto is deservedly named as the player of the match.

The Real midfielder covered a huge amount of ground and had a terrific influence in attacking and defending moves for the home side. He's some player.

Jack Watson1 February 2020 16:53

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in