Madrid derbies are always heated affairs, but some fixtures assume more importance than others. Simeone and his men travelled to Zizou’s fortress knowing that defeat for either side would surely end their Liga campaign.
Zidane has steadied the ship and brought the dressing room together after a disastrous Benitez era, but with Barcelona conquering all before them, there is yet a possibility that he is merely an interim manager.
Simeone himself has been hotly linked with the Chelsea job, and with his strike-force collectively floundering, Atletico have to get their act together for the UCL and La Liga.
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Full-time brought cheer for the Rojiblancos as they recorded a crucial 1-0 win at the Bernabeu, and with an ignominious Copa del Rey exit earlier in the season, Madrid must turn all their efforts at La Undecima.
It was a close match, but Griezmann showed the quality in front of goal that Atletico had been lacking over the last few games, and what Real lacked in this game, as the Frenchman slotted home to put Simeone’s men points behind Barcelona having played an extra game.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 7.5/10
A string of fantastic saves in the game in hindsight only helped in keeping the scoreline more respectable for Real. He couldn’t do much for Griezmann’s close range finish.
Daniel Carvajal – 6.5/10
He had a few nervous moments in defence but put in a few good crosses going forward.
Danilo – 6.5/10
Usually competing with Carvajal for the right-back spot, an injury to Marcelo meant that both the players started the derby. After a poor start to the season, where he was the weak link in defence he has improved and made his presence felt on the game going forward.
Sergio Ramos – 6.5/10
Individually, there were no mistakes from Madrid’s backline, and their captain Ramos also made some great tackles. However, they really should have done more against a floundering Atletico frontline.
Raphael Varane – 6.5/10
The young Frenchman had a very nervy start to this tense derby, but he settled in soon.
Luka Modric – 7/10
There were moments of genuine quality, but the Croat could not bail his team out of jail this time.
Isco – 6/10
Having been ignored for the first half of the season under Benitez, he has been given a chance under Zidane, but he needs to do better than performances like today in a big game.
Toni Kroos – 6/10
The German is another, like Isco, who was increasingly linked with the exit door having been neglected under Benitez, but performances like today show why Madrid must rue selling Xabi Alonso.
James Rodriguez – 5.5/10
Rumours game through midweek that the 80 million Euro rated midfielder had been put on the transfer list by Zinedine Zidane, and a shoddy performance like today’s will not douse these fires.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6.5/10
Full marks for effort but CR7 just can’t seem to do it against the big teams this season, when his team needs him the most.
Karim Benzema – 5.5/10
After going toe-to-toe with Luiz Suarez, the Frenchman has floundered off late and is now 6 goals behind the Uruguayan. He was unlucky to see Godin escape with only a yellow card for a cynical tug on him, and was subbed off at half-time for the young Borja Mayoral.
Substitutes
Borja Mayoral – 5.5/10
The youngster was brought on at half-time in the big match, but one scuffed shot apart, he had nothing much to show for his stay on the pitch.
Lucas Vazquez – 5.5/10
He was brought on for the dire James Rodriguez, and his notable contribution to the game was to get his name on the referee’s book within minutes of coming on.
Jese – 6/10
Having scored his first Champions League goal midweek against Roma, the young striker could do little to change the outcome of the match.
Atletico Madrid
Jan Oblak – 7/10
A good day in the office, and with a tinge of luck, he managed to keep a clean sheet where he could have conceded a goal or two on another day.
Filipe Luis – 7/10
Good defending, and a simple assist rounded off a good day for Filipe Luis.
Diego Godin – 7/10
Very lucky to be on the pitch for what should have been a red card for a foul on Benzema, but Godin managed to lead his team to a clean sheet and a vital win.
Jose Gimenez – 7/10
A solid performance by the Uruguayan was marred by a late yellow card, but he will be smiling as his team pocketed all three points.
Juanfran – 7/10
Uneventful but solid at the back from Juanfran, who had a couple of good moments going forward.
Augustin Fernandez – 8/10
Signed from Celta Vigo in the winter, the Argentinean had an excellent game and was the best player on the park.
Koke – 7/10
The young Spaniard is Atletico’s talisman and is seen as an heir to Iniesta in the national team. It was a decent performance from him today.
Gabi – 7/10
Gabi kept the clock ticking in the midfield with a hardworking performance, but very nearly gave a penalty away in the 72nd minute.
Saul – 7/10
Rumoured to be on Louis van Gaal’s wishlist, if he makes it past the summer, the former Real Madrid academy graduate spoke about his torrid time as a youngster at La Masia, though he will have only fond memories of today’s game.
Fernando Torres – 7/10
Time may be running out for Atletico's favourite son, with his contract set to expire in the summer, but performances like today make a good case for why he can still offer value to Simeone.
Antoine Griezmann – 7.5/10
It was an absolutely magical moment from the Frenchman to win a big game for his team, and he shows why he is Atletico’s most invaluable asset.
Substitutes
Matias Kranevitter – 6/10
He replaced Augustin in a like for like replacement.
Angel Correa – 6/10
The youngster was the second of Simeone’s changes and did not have much impact on the game.
