The Real Champs
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Real Madrid crush stellar Atletico defense in Madrid Derby

By Mushtaq Nizamdin

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 9: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates 1-3 with Luka Modric of Real Madrid, Toni Kroos of Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on February 9, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 9: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates 1-3 with Luka Modric of Real Madrid, Toni Kroos of Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on February 9, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 09: Casemiro of Real Madrid (L) scores his team’s first goal past Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Wanda Metropolitano on February 09, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 09: Casemiro of Real Madrid (L) scores his team’s first goal past Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Wanda Metropolitano on February 09, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /

First Half

Atleti started off strong from the opening whistle looking to break through the back line of Real early on. Fortunately for the Whites, it didn’t take long before they found their footing as well.

Solari’s men were relentless once they got a grip on the game. They went at Atletico with force, especially through Vincius Jr. who caused trouble with his bursting runs down the wing and at times cutting into the box.

Casemiro added to his account with the opening goal of the match 16-minutes in. Toni Kroos’ corner kick was met by the head of Sergio Ramos who was unable to hit it cleanly. Casemiro found himself with the ball in the air, wide open in front of Jan Oblak. The defensive-midfielder channeled his inner Ronaldo converting with a brilliant bicycle kick.

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The Brazilian scored his second goal of this season with Ramos providing his second assist of the season.

Just nine minutes alter Antoine Griezman would hit back as he went in on former teammates Thibaut Courtois one-v-one. The World Cup winner slotted the ball between the legs the oncoming Courtois who tried to close down all the angles possible.

With the game back at level pegging, both teams turned up the intensity competing for every ball. Both teams would have their chances with neither one able to capitalize. The midfield was key to the match as the middle of the park saw plenty of action with both parties trying to exploit one another on the wings.

Vinicius would draw a penalty for Real as he was hacked down by Jose Gimenez. The winger flew down the wing and then along the goal line with a man nipping at his heels. Many questioned the call but upon review, it was evident Vini was fouled outside and in the box in the same sequence.

Penalty taker Sergio Ramos stepped up to the spot and fired off a missile into the bottom left corner with laser precision. Jan Oblak made the right call but the Captain put plenty of pace on the ball.

Real Madrid would head into the lockerrooms at half time with the advantage, surprising many fans with their high-octane performance.

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