Cristiano Ronaldo shut his critics with a treble as he guided Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the season’s first Madrid derby to open up a four-point gap at the top after rivals Barcelona could only manage a draw against Malaga.
The Portuguese international had been under the scanner this season for his worst start to a league season with the Whites but managed to cut himself some slack by single-handedly driving his side past a distorted Rojiblancos side.
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As for the hosts, it was a disappointing final derby at the Vicente Calderon as Simeone’s men were totally outclassed and outperformed. Let’s discuss some of the major talking points from the game.
#1 Who says Ronaldo is finished?
Up until this match, Cristiano Ronaldo had accrued only 5 domestic goals in 8 appearances, his poorest return in 7 seasons at Madrid. The naysayers had started to write him off as Ol’ Father Time was catching up with him. But with a hat-trick last night, (his 39th for Los Blancos) he proved he’s not finished yet.
After being denied on the line by Oblak, the 31-year old struck a free-kick that took a slight deflection off Rafael Varane into the back of the net, before doubling his tally from the spot post interval. Shortly after, Ronaldo got his third of the night from a lightning counter-attack, taking him past Alfredo di Stefano as the all-time top scorer of the Madrid derby.
The Real Madrid ace has definitely struggled in front of the goal this season, but mind you, that’s just temporary. He’s still got it in him!
#2 Not a memorable derby farewell for Atletico
As Atletico Madrid prepare to bid adieu to their 50-year old Vincente Calderon and move to a new home ‘La Peineta’, this Madrid derby was their last in their current stadium. The fans thronged to see their team win in the derby for the last time here, but nothing went according to plan.
Los Blancos held firm dominion over the hosts for the opening 45 minutes, taking the game to their gritty rivals and forcing them on the back foot with some high pressing. It wasn’t until the start of the second period when Atletico looked threatening, but despite all their efforts, couldn't find a way past a sturdy Madrid defence.
The Meringues, arguably for the first time in four league seasons, where head and shoulders above their crosstown rivals as Atletico were subjugated in their final city derby at the Calderon.
#3 Jan Oblak saves Atletico more blushes
Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak was arguably his side’s best player on the night, pulling off a string of saves which would’ve otherwise given an even more grim look to the scoreline.
The Slovenian did well to keep out Ronaldo’s header early on but was unlucky to concede when a free-kick took a slight deflection, perplexing him. Oblak continued to stand tall as Real threw the kitchen sink at them, and made more heroics when turned Isco’s low effort onto the post.
Oblak may have conceded two more goals to Ronaldo eventually, but his presence under the bar proved to be a confidence booster as he pulled stops after stops to prevent his side from an absolute battering.
#4 Isco makes a strong point
Following his heroics against England that helped Spain salvage a draw in an international friendly in the midweek, diminutive Real Madrid midfielder Isco continued from he left at Wembley.
The 24-year old, alongside the returning Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, ran the show from the centre of the park. His timely recycling of the ball and darting runs into the boxes hassled Atletico, whereas his fine control of the ball after a long range pass from Gareth Bale was simply sublime.
The former Malaga starlet has been an outcast these days at Madrid, but with another promising show, may have just convinced manager Zidane into second thoughts about him.
#5 Real Madrid make a huge statement of intent
Without a league trophy for four straight years, Real Madrid have grown more desperate than ever to end the drought. With two Champions League titles in the last three years, the primary target this season was the La Liga, and with this victory, Real have made a huge statement of intent.
With Barcelona being thwarted by an obdurate Malaga at home earlier in the day, Los Blancos were set to finish the week at the top of the table regardless of their result here. However, the win has extended their lead at the top to four points now, turning the tables of their Catalan rivals.
Although the season is not even halfway through, the healthy lead they now posses gives them the cushion over their rivals for a while now, also considering El Clasico is looming large on the horizon.
Onwards and upwards.
