For the first time this season, Real Madrid have defeated Atlético Madrid, and in their most important match of the year. The Rojiblancos were the better side in seven previous meetings, but Real are into the semifinals of the Champions League off the back of Wednesday’s 1-0 win.
Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: Final score 1-0, Chicharito the unlikely hero
Arda Turan’s red card gave Real Madrid the advantage, and they capitalized.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Atléti were in control until the 76-minute mark, when Arda Turan was shown a second yellow for a high boot on Sergio Ramos. Real started to pile on the pressure against their rivals’ 10 men, and finally found the breakthrough in the 87th minute, with Cristiano Ronaldo assisting “Chicharito” Javier Hernandez.
The match went as expected up until that point. Real had all of the chances, but Atléti defended well and looked capable of holding on. Jan Oblak was excellent, making a pair of big first-half saves on Ronaldo. He pushed a long-range effort aside in the 31st minute, then made an excellent stop on the biggest chance of the half in the 43rd.
Chicharito should have scored in the 49th minute, but missed after an excellent through ball from Isco. After that, the match settled down and extra time looked inevitable until the red card.
But Arda’s sending off changed everything, and Los Merengues were well on top instantly. The goal was brilliantly created by Ronaldo, Chicharito finished from 12 yards, and Real are into the next round.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Coentrao (Arbeloa 90'), Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal, Isco (Illaramendi 90'), Kroos, Ramos, Ronaldo, Hernandez (Jese 90'), James
Goals: Hernandez (87’)
Atlético Madrid: Oblak, Gamez, Godin, Miranda, Juanfran, Saul (Gabi 46'), Koke, Tiago (Gimenez 86'), Arda (red 76'), Griezmann (Garcia 65'), Mandzukic
Goals: None.
See More:
