Atlético de Madrid – Real Madrid: Atlético dominates Real in the derby

Atletico dismiss a Real at a trot and rush towards the Champions League. At the end of a Madrid derby not really lively but still a source of tension, the Colchoneros snatched a vital victory on Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano for qualification for the next Champions League (1-0). A penalty converted by Yannick Carrasco (40th) rewarded a successful start for the locals, who were much more conservative in the second half, despite the energetic entry of Antoine Griezmann. The Rojiblancos (4th, 64 points) end six years without a win against Real in La Liga, and take a six-point lead over Betis, fifth. Already champion, Real Madrid has turned, all without trying.

There was almost a world of intentions at kickoff. At the Colchoneros, the desire to almost validate his ticket for the next Champions League transpired under all the seams of the jersey. Opposite, the Merengues gave the impression that they had more to lose than to gain in a derby that they have not lost for six years. From the outset, Angel Correa just missed the target (4th). Strong man of the first act, Yannick Carrasco offered himself a small number in front of Casemiro, before seeing his attempt flee the frame of nothing (8th).

Apathetic, Real already seemed focused on their final against Liverpool

Big alerts coupled with constant pressure that did not wake Real, surprisingly apathetic, even absent, during the first period. A few minutes after a save from Nacho on a strike from Matheus Cunha, Jesus Vallejo made the mistake of too many on the Brazilian, touched in the heel by the defender of the Casa Blanca. A penalty is finally granted after viewing the action, which Carrasco took on the task of transforming with a perfect counter-foot (40th). The opener pushed the Merengues to be more proactive in the opposing camp, only dangerous on a long attempt by Toni Kroos (45th), and a face-to-face loss by Luka Jovic in front of Jan Oblak (45th + 2).

Griezmann in legs but silent for 14 games, his worst career streak

When they returned from the locker room, the Rojiblancos decided to let more daring Merengues come in, before going on the counterattack. Author of a full entry, Antoine Griezmann made local transitions more fluid (59th, 63rd). He only missed this bit of success (58th, 73rd, 76th) at the Habs, silent for 14 games, his worst career series. More mobile in the second half, Cunha almost deceived Andriy Lunin on a lob (74th), but Thibaut Courtois’ Ukrainian lining held his rank on Sunday (63rd). Confined to a light pace, the visitors tried to stimulate fresh blood, like Federico Valverde. Voluntary, the Uruguayan has often tried his luck, in vain (68th, 70th).

The successive entries of Vinicius, Luka Modric or Ferland Mendy made it possible to accentuate the threat in the colchonera area, Jan Oblak took out all the panoply of the super rampart to ward off the danger (70th, 85th, 88th). Meanwhile, Carrasco was very close to offering himself a double, but his hidden shot failed on the post (77th). Accustomed to final twists, the White House (1st, 81 points) finally passed its turn this time, never fully involved in the debates. The opposite in the opposing camp, obsessed with the idea of ​​​​celebrating a first victory in a derby against Real on the Wanda Metropolitano meadow. And above all to now have a six-point lead over Betis Sevilla, three days from the end. The difference between a team that had everything to gain, and the other with nothing to lose.