Real’s never-ending superiority

This year’s opening Madrid derby which was seen as the most evenly-matched in recent years ended in victory for Real Madrid, as it almost always does. Atlético continued its poor run of form against its cross-city rival, having not beaten Real in almost 14 years.
Atlético, which remains second in the league and five points clear of Real Madrid despite losing at the Bernabeu, never looked like winning. Although Falcao carved out the first chance of the game, which Casillas saved, the rest of the match action took place in the area defended by Atlético’s Courtois.
The Belgian conceded a goal from Cristiano’s free-kick on 15 minutes. The last time the Portuguese scored in the league from a free-kick, it was also against the Atlético keeper. Once again the game became an uphill struggle for the visitors very early on.
Atlético didn’t pass the ball well and Madrid was superior in every aspect of the game. After the break, Özil scored on a counter-attack and Madrid could have scored more, but Cristiano hit the post twice in a second half notable for Atlético’s helplessness and Courtois’ saves.