Spot On Carrasco Inspires Atletico Win Against Champions Real In Madrid Derby
9th May 2022
Carlo Ancelotti made seven changes to the side that lined up when Madrid beat Manchester City to book a place in the Champions League final.
- Atletico Madrid put on a brave display as they held on to beat newly crowned La Liga champions Real Madrid 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday
- The city derby had less on the line than in recent years as Madrid were already declared champions of the Spanish top flight
Atletico Madrid put on a brave display as they held on to beat newly crowned La Liga champions Real Madrid 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.
The city derby had less on the line than in recent years as Madrid were already declared champions of the Spanish top flight.
With that, Carlo Ancelotti made seven changes to the side that lined up when Madrid beat Manchester City to book a place in the Champions League final.
Club top scorer Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior and number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtouis were among the key players rested.
A first half Yannick Carrasco penalty was all it took on the day as Diego Simeone's side got revenge after a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Atleti had several opportunities throughout the second half to extend their lead, but Andriy Lunin, deputising for Courtois, made some key saves and Carrasco hit the post just after 75 minutes with only the keeper to beat.
The result keeps Real Madrid on 81 points from 35 games, while Atleti move up 64 points, six ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis in the battle for the final Champions League spot in LaLiga.
It was a history making night for Diego Simeone, who notched his 10th victory over Real in 36 tries, passing Luis Aragones as the winningest Atleti coach in Madrid derby history.
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