Real Madrid vs Atletico result: Karim Benzema leads leaders past city rivals

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Real extended their lead at the top to six points with Barcelona to play Levante on Sunday

Karim Benzema celebrates scoring Real Madrid's winning goal (Reuters)

Karim Benzema fired Real Madrid to a 1-0 win in the city derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday which underlined Real's La Liga title credentials.

The French forward side-footed home a cross from compatriot Ferland Mendy to break the deadlock in a tight game in the 56th minute after coach Zinedine Zidane had sprung a double substitution to give his team more width.

Benzema's strike gave Real their first home victory over Atletico in the league since 2012 and increased their lead over Barcelona at the top of the table to six points. Barca can reduce the margin to three if they beat Levante on Sunday.

Atletico are fifth and trail their local rivals by 13 points, while their injury problems deepened when striker Alvaro Morata limped off early in the second half with a suspected muscle problem.

Re-live the game as it happened:

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[1 February 2020 16:47 · Jack Watson]

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

88: I wish I could bring you news of some good football but it's handbags again. Casemiro is booked after players from both sides and the referee bicker over a spicy tackle from Felipe, who is already booked, on Valverde.

[1 February 2020 16:49 · Jack Watson]

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

[1 February 2020 16:50 · Jack Watson]

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

90+1: Real Madrid supporters are chanting for Diego Simeone to stay. Great banter.

[1 February 2020 16:51 · Jack Watson]

Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid

It wasn't a classic, in fact none of the games between the top sides have been especially memorable, but Real Madrid don't mind as they put six points between them and Barcelona, who host Levante tomorrow, at the top of La Liga.

[1 February 2020 16:53 · Jack Watson]

Man of the match

Ernesto is deservedly named as the player of the match.

The Real midfielder covered a huge amount of ground and had a terrific influence in attacking and defending moves for the home side. He's some player.