Madrid stays ahead in Spain with win over Atlético in derby

Real Madrid extended its winning run and increased its Spanish league lead by defeating Atlético Madrid 1-0 in Spanish capital derby on Saturday. Karim Benzema scored a second-half winner to give Madrid its eighth straight victory this year and a six-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, which hosts Levante on Sunday. loss virtually ended Atlético's title hopes, as it stayed 13 points off lead and was in danger of dropping to seventh place by end of weekend.

Madrid was unbeaten against Atlético in league in seven consecutive matches, but it hadn't defeated its rival at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in six straight games. win extended Madrid's unbeaten streak in all competitions to 21 matches. One of its victories came against Atlético in a penalty shootout in Spanish Super Cup final this month in Saudi Arabia.

Atlético's winless streak has reached five matches in all competitions, one of its worst stints since coach Diego Simeone arrived nearly a decade ago. latest defeat has limited its main challenge to trying to make it back to Champions League. It was an even match in first half but Atlético had some of most significant chances, including a close-range shot by Ángel Correa that hit post.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane changed team's formation in second half and game quickly turned in Madrid's favour, with substitute Vinícius Júnior starting play that led to Benzema's winner from close range in 56th minute. Benzema hit a one-timer from just outside six-yard box after a low cross from Ferland Mendy, whose run inside area met a well-placed through ball by Vinícius Júnior.

Zidane started match with five midfielders, with Benzema as lone striker upfront. formation was first used in Spanish Super Cup. But after lacklustre first half, he successfully changed it back to a 4-3-3 scheme, with Lucas Vázquez and Vinícius Júnior coming off bench to flank Benzema in attack. re was a moment of silence to hour Kobe Bryant before match.

(Im credits: Twitter/@realmadrid)