MX23RW : Wednesday, May 29 10:32:33| >> :60:2775:2775:

Diego Costa strike enough for Atletico Madrid to win derby

Diego Costa's early goal proves enough for Atletico Madrid to beat Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid have defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu to maintain their perfect record in La Liga.

The only goal in the Madrid derby came after just 11 minutes when Diego Costa collected Koke's pass and slotted it past Diego Lopez from inside the hosts' penalty box.

Real recovered from their shock to create their first meaningful chance in the 25th minute when Karim Benzema forced Thibaut Courtois into a save with a close-range header.

Benzema wasted another good chance on the half-hour mark when he headed Angel di Maria's cross wide, before Tiago failed to keep his header on target for Atletico.

Angel Di Maria of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Koke of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 28, 2013© Getty Images

Costa was denied by Lopez on the stroke of half time, just moments before Cristiano Ronaldo planted his header over the crossbar after meeting Di Maria's cross.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti sent on Gareth Bale and Luka Modric at the start of the second half, but it was the visitors to whom the first chance after the restart fell.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF sits on the bench as he speaks with team-mate Luka Modric prior to start the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 28, 2013© Getty Images

Once again it was Costa who found himself in a good position after being released by David Villa, but Lopez made yet another good save.

Bale earned Los Blancos a free kick just moments later, but Ronaldo blasted it high and wide.

The home side were given another lifeline to earn a point from the contest when Koke's curling effort eight minutes from time came back off the crossbar.

However, despite Real's pressure in the final minutes that included an Alvaro Morata volley being denied by Courtois, Atletico held on for all three points.

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Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Almeria on September 14, 2013
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


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