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Real Madrid reignited their La Liga title push on Saturday beating leaders Atletico 2-Zero as their metropolis rivals suffered a primary league defeat of the season. Real, who salvaged their Champions League marketing campaign in midweek by making the final 16, moved to 3rd within the desk, three factors behind Atletico. It was a disappointing evening for Diego Simeone’s aspect who had boasted a 26-match unbeaten run within the league, stretching again to February. That was a run which consisted of 17 wins and 9 attracts. Real had been the final staff to beat Atletico within the league.
“We confirmed the improvement we showed in many areas against Sevilla and Borussia, and gave another good display,” stated Real coach Zinedine Zidane, reflecting on his aspect’s wins previously week which have helped flip across the season.
“There are criticisms that hurt, but they also make you stronger.”
“We competed very well from minute one until the end, we must be satisfied with work well done.”
His staff have been in entrance after 15 minutes when Casemiro headed dwelling a nook from Toni Kroos.
That was reward for Real’s early stress which had seen Karim Benzema denied by a fantastic save from Jan Oblak moments earlier.
Atletico, who additionally made the Champions League knockout spherical in midweek, struggled to make any impression and star striker Luis Suarez was an nameless determine up entrance.
Real went 2-Zero up after 63 minutes with Kroos once more the supplier.
His move ultimately fell for Dani Carvajal who unleashed a 30-metre drive which hit the publish however was diverted into the web by the helpless Oblak.
The ‘keeper was credited with an own-goal for his troubles.
It was solely the fourth purpose conceded by the normally water-tight Atletico defence in 11 league video games this season.
‘That hurts’
It was an evening of frustration with Simeone’s males managing only one shot heading in the right direction.
“We didn’t have the courage to attack, now we have to work and improve.”
“They were better. They were forceful, precise, and when they had their chance, they put them away,” stated the Argentine.
“We can have a bad game, we can. That hurts, yes it hurts.”
Egos too have been hurting.
Portuguese star Joao Felix confirmed his displeasure at being changed by Saul on the hour.
Suarez allowed himself an ironic smile when he too was benched in favour of Geoffrey Kondogbia within the 73rd minute.
“Joao Felix, if he plays, he wants to contribute more, he wants to finish the 90 minutes,” stated Simeone.
“But I can’t explain his behaviour.”
In stark distinction, Zidane may very well be particularly happy for Casemiro who had returned from Covid-19 quarantine whereas Carvajal had recovered from a proper leg damage.
It was an evening to recollect additionally for captain Sergio Ramos who was enjoying in a Madrid derby for the 43rd time,
Atletico, in the meantime, may lose prime spot on Sunday when second-placed Real Sociedad welcome Eibar.
Barcelona are additionally in motion on Sunday in opposition to Levante and will likely be below intense scrutiny.
Barca are in such disarray that they want a victory merely to regular the ship after a morale-sapping 3-Zero defeat to Juventus within the Champions League.
The Catalans nonetheless certified for the final 16, however as group runners-up Lionel Messi and his teammates threat drawing certainly one of Europe’s massive names.
After the tumultuous summer season which nearly noticed Messi depart, Barca and new coach Ronald Koeman by no means appear to have recovered.
They sit an unaccustomed ninth within the desk with simply 14 factors from 10 video games. They are 12 factors behind leaders Atletico.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen stated a win in opposition to modest Levante, who’ve simply three factors fewer than the Catalans, was important.
Promoted
“In La Liga we are not where we want to be but we can claw back some points and that is the aim in the next few weeks.
“We’re enjoying at dwelling and we won’t afford to drop a single level now.”
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