Atlético beat Madrid to keep pace with Barcelona
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E-mail Xinhua, September 29, 2013
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Diego Costa took his league tally to eight for the season with the only goal against Real Madrid. |
Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday night to continue their 100 percent record in the start to the season.
Diego Costa's 11th minute goal was enough to decide a pulsating match and give Atletico their first league win over their neighbors since 1999.
A wet pitch in the Santiago Bernabeu assured it would be a fast-paced game between two of the bitterest rivals in Spain, but it was Atletico who adjusted better to the conditions.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had clearly decided it was not a night to take risks and partnered Asier Illaramendi with Sami Khedira in central midfield, leaving Luka Modric on the subs' bench. Gareth Bale was also on the bench after missing out last week due to a slight muscle injury.
With Atletico starting with six wins from six games and Real Madrid two points behind, it was always going to be fast and tense and that is exactly how the game developed with the ball going from end to end at lightning speed and nobody pulling out of challenges.
Costa put Atletico ahead after 11 minutes, getting in behind Alvaro Arbeloa to slot a Koke pass past Diego Lopez to make it 0-1.
Atletico coach Diego Pablo Simeone has molded his side into a tight, compact outfit and they were making life hard for Real Madrid's strikers, with Karim Benzema looking especially unhappy and the fact is Atletico had a chance to go two up as Diego saved Gabi's header and Costa's follow up just four minutes before the break.
Ancelotti reacted at halftime by bringing on Bale and Modric for Angel de Maria and Illaramendi in an attempt to give his swap football for midfield muscle, but it was Atletico who had the best chance as Costa was clean through after 60 minutes only for the striker to see his effort blocked by Lopez, before Pepe blocked Gabi's follow up.
Ronaldo saw a shot fumbled by Atletico keeper Thibaut Courtois with 20 minutes remaining but overall Real Madrid lacked their usual precision in their play and it was Atletico who again came closest to scoring after Koke hit the crossbar.
At the other end Alvaro Morata came close to equalizing twice: first of all with a spectacular volley, which Courtois parried well and then with a shot into the side netting.
There was still time for Bale to almost exploit an error from Courtois in the last moment as the Atletico keeper failed to pick up the ball in time, but his toe-poke went wide and Atletico's magnificent start to the season continues, while their neighbors are in trouble.
Goals from Leo Messi and Adriano also gave Barca their seventh straight win of the season and ensured the reigning Champions have enjoyed their best ever start to a campaign.
Messi scored a solo goal after 20 minutes, but then had to limp off with a muscle injury in his right leg, which will at least keep him out of the Champions League trip to face Glasgow Celtic.
Meanwhile Adrian's goal 10 minutes after half time assured the points against a rival that has still to win this season.
The good news for Barca was an assured performance from central defender, Marc Bartra, who replaced the injured Javier Mascherano in the heart of the Barca back line.
Meanwhile Real Sociedad and Sevilla played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the Anoeta Stadium. Real Sociedad enjoyed most of the possession but fell behind after 18 minutes to a goal from Jairo and Sevilla should have doubled their lead before the break only for Petr Trochovski to miss an open goal.
Real Sociedad kept plugging away and finally got their reward when Antoine Griezmann fired home from close range at the second attempt.
The day began with Jonas Goncalves' fourth goal of the season giving Valencia a 1-0 home win against Rayo Vallecano. Rayo had 61 percent of the ball, but were unable to create clear cut chances against a well-organized Valencia defense.
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