Atletico Madrid won the derby against Real Madrid

Date: May 09, 2022

Atletico Madrid won the derby against Real Madrid to secure a Champions League spot on sunday.

Atletico Madrid won the derby against Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid held on to defeat Real Madrid 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, in a city derby with fewer stakes than in recent years.

Carlo Ancelotti rested many of his players, including Karim Benzema, Thibaut Courtois, and Vinicius Junior, after Real’s dramatic Champions League quarterfinal comeback triumph over Manchester City on Wednesday.

Matheus Cunha won a penalty on Real Madrid’s Nacho near the end of a scoreless first half, and Yannick Carrasco converted the spot kick to give Atleti a 1-0 lead at the break.

“Today’s win is very important,” said Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who produced many excellent saves in the second half. “It was a difficult game.” Madrid, despite being champions, played well and wanted to win the game.

“We had a number of chances in the second half but couldn’t end the game.” Fortunately, we kept a clean sheet and only needed one goal. “Ancelotti.”

Atleti had several chances to extend their advantage in the second half, but Andriy Lunin, who was filling in for Courtois, made some crucial saves, and Carrasco struck the post with just the keeper to beat just after 75 minutes.

Atlético won the derby against Real Madrid with a goal from Yannick Carrasco

As the game approached its conclusion, Nacho had an opportunity to draw Real level, but he failed to make strong contact with a cross from Vinicius, a chance that the absent Benzema has made a practise of converting all season.

After the game, Ancelotti observed, “Karim was fatigued, he hadn’t recovered.” “The first thing I need to do is stay out of trouble.” I didn’t want to start Luka [Modric] because he was exhausted as well.

“On the 28th, the plan is to have the entire team ready.” [Luka] Jovic had a few issues. Because we couldn’t play out from the back, the attackers struggled more than the rest.”

The result keeps Real Madrid on 81 points after 35 games, while Atletico moves up to 64 points, six points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis in LaLiga’s Champions League race.

“I’m very satisfied with the three points in this Champions League fight; it’s a crucial step,” Oblak remarked.

“Football is a complicated game,” Ancelotti explained. “We have to finish this season as strong as we can.” We have amazing fans that have stuck with us throughout an unpredictable season. Seeing our fans before the game was emotional today. We owe it to the fans and the club to keep this level going to the end.

“Ancelotti? Admiration. He’s an exceptional coach who has won five different leagues and is admired for his personality. He’s the same whether he wins or loses. That is what inspires you to admire Ancelotti.”