IN SPORT.ES
Karim Benzema fired Real Madrid to a 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the capital derby clash on Saturday, sending the hosts six points clear of Barcelona, who face Levante on Sunday.
The French forward put away Ferland Mendy to break the deadlock in a tight game in the 54th minute, after good work from Vinicius Junior whom Zinedine Zidane threw on at half-time.
Atletico, fifth, are 13 points off the pace and this was another nail in their coffin.
Madrid started well with Sergio Ramos missing two chances, clipping one over and slashing another one well wide.
Then Atletico came to the fore and should have had a penalty when Casemiro fouled Alvaro Morata. The ref and VAR gave nothing. Curious.
Angel Correa hit the post for Atletico and Courtois denied Vitolo before the break. Zidane threw on Vinicius and Vazquez, and it paid dividends.
Vinicius burst forward, setting up Mendy who crossed for Benzema. 1-0. Easy.
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After that Atletico didn’t come too close, with Madrid’s improved defence keeping Cholo’s boys at arm’s length.