REAL MADRID MOVED six points clear of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga as Karim Benzema’s goal proved enough to claim a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Both previous derbies between the sides this season – one in LaLiga and one in the Supercopa de Espana final – had finished 0-0 but Saturday’s encounter finally bucked the trend.
Having held out somewhat in the first half, Madrid, who were buoyed by a double change from Zinedine Zidane at half-time, broke the deadlock through Benzema’s first home goal against Atleti.
Substitute Vinicius Junior went close to capping a fine performance with a goal late on, but Madrid’s failure to add another did not prove costly as they ended Atleti’s six-match unbeaten run at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Sergio Ramos scored the winning penalty in Los Blancos’ shootout victory in the Supercopa final last month and Madrid’s captain twice went close to opening the scoring in the first 10 minutes, but sliced over on both occasions.
Ramos had some defending to do in the 18th minute, reacting sharply to clear Madrid’s lines after Thibaut Courtois had kept out Vitolo’s strike.
Courtois was beaten soon after, yet Angel Correa’s effort clipped the upright, before Casemiro was fortunate his desperate lunge on Alvaro Morata did not lead to a penalty.
Zidane rolled the dice at the break, introducing Vinicius and Lucas Vazquez in place of Toni Kroos and Isco, moving Federico Valverde inside and the decision almost paid immediate dividends as the midfielder forced Jan Oblak into a fine save with a superb long-range effort.
⚫️🙏 A minute of silence for Kobe and Gianna Bryant and all the victims of the helicopter crash.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 1, 2020
✨Rest in peace.#RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/3jcWN9gGVo
However, Zidane’s changes did prove decisive in the 56th minute — Vinicius drawing three Atleti defenders in before releasing Ferland Mendy, whose cross was side-footed home by Benzema.
Oblak then denied Vinicius to keep Atleti in the game, though the visitors could not make it count as their dismal start to 2020 continued.
Cork are very poor ,,!!!
When I saw the Cork team on Friday night with only 3 city players I new mass was over for the rebels this is the worst team Cork ever brought to Thurles sad.
Some dire stuff from Cork so far. Aimless balls down the field. They’ll need to improve drastically in the second half or this will be a rout
Great to see the sweeper system being destroyed early on.
That’s one poor cork team Christ above going to get throttled here today.
Early test of both teams ambition for the season. Nothing like the clash of the ash to kick off the summer.
Only this year it is starting with a whimper. Today and last night’s game both brutal.
Dire stuff from the rebels
It’s tipps year :-)
Premature to come out with that comment.
Barry Kelly is a shit ref.
Game over cork keep playing into tips hands
Cork are 11/4 in the bookies. As a Cork man I’ll take that price all day, championship hurling in Thurles, anything can happen!! Rebels Abú!!!
Never bet on your own team
Just been a pitch invasion by the Tipp supporters at the final whistle in Thurles. Where are the horse mounted police? Greyhounds even.
Cork really poor. The score is actually flattering should be down by more. Hopefully it will be a closer second half
Tipp’s full forward line is going to take some stopping of we’re going to get a result. Can never write us off in championship though, Rebels abú.
Good to see kieran Kingstons chopping and changing of the teams went so well for cork. He must be so proud…
Lots of stuff happening off the ball, ruining the flow of the game.
Cork are a big of a joke alright.
And cork lads coming on here giving out is golden. Long may it last.
What’s the longest ye have gone without an AI lads? Big 3 me hole.
Switchin over to watch Rory win the golf
Great shot from Rory there
You’re missing the comeback, three quick goals for cork
Dubai golf classic? Sounds like the Tommy Murphy cup.
As a Cork man….very disappointed. …maybe it’s a cunning plan….use the back door route to develop the team. .. ya right …will wake up from that dream soon..and come back to reality…
I never thought I would see the day when Cork hurling would hit such a low point even Kerry are putting in more professional performances.
No point having millions in the bank and no talent coming forward.
The OAP’S in county board.
we’ll need I say anymore!!!!!