La Liga, Week 7: Atletico sink Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

Atlêtico Madrid used Diego Costa’s early goal and a tremendous defensive effort to earn their second straight victory over Real Madrid and their first El Derbi madrileño victory in league play since 1999.

Two minutes later Atléti wasted a wonderful chance to double their lead on a corner kick, but captain Tiago Mendes somehow managed to miss a wide-open header after he was left open in space in the middle of the Madrid box.

The Madrid Derby is off to a brilliant start for Atletico Madrid, who lead at the Santiago Bernabeu in impressive fashion. Diego Costa was the scorer, finishing off this chance in the 11th minute to put his side up 1-0.

While the finish and Koke’s assist were impressive, the best aspect of this goal is probably how it started. Atleti left back Felipe won the ball with an inch-perfect tackle to turn the tables on a disorganized Madrid, who had started to commit numbers forward and were out of position when they turned the ball over.

Messi had already imposed himself upon the match seven minutes earlier when he played an excellent give and go with Pedro before rocketing a shot off the post and past Almeria’s goalkeeper Esteban to put Barca ahead 1-0.

Midfielder Xavi Hernandez came off the bench in place of Messi as Cesc Fábregas slid forward into the false nine role at the top of the Barcelona attack.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since last season’s Copa Del Rey final which was won by Atletico, their first victory over their local rivals since 1999.

Real Madrid injuries and suspensions

Both teams have been busy of late and this will be the third game in the last nine days for each club.

Almeria injuries and suspensions