Atletico Madrid welcomed Real Madrid to the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey tie on Wednesday.
Both sides had half-chances in what was an open first period, but neither could break the deadlock.
Atletico took the lead just before the hour mark, however, when Raul Garcia scored from the penalty spot.
The hosts then doubled their lead after 76 minutes through Jose Gimenez to secure a 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! What a treat we have tonight! It is the second Madrid derby of the season as Atletico Madrid welcome Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Copa del Rey. This trophy comes third in both sides' priorities this season, but matches between these two sides are always extremely special. Kickoff is not until 8pm UK time this evening, but be sure to remain with us for all of the build-up.
Just in case you are unfamiliar with the format of the Copa del Rey – it can be tricky at times – nothing will be decided this evening. They like their two-legged ties even in the early stages of this particular competition and therefore progression into the next round will not be sealed until the return leg at the Bernabeu, which will take place next Thursday. The winner could meet Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Incidentally, the team news is expected in around 15 minutes or so, but Atletico boss Diego Simeone confirmed on Tuesday that Fernando Torres would indeed make his second debut for the capital club. For Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to hand opportunities to a number of squad players.
In total, Atletico and Real Madrid have met 40 times in the Copa del Rey, with Los Blancos winning 17 times to Atletico's 10. Last season, Real recorded a 5-0 aggregate win to advance to the final, where they beat Barcelona. However, in the 2012-13 season, Atletico won the final against their rivals.
For a long time, clashes between these two sides meant more in terms of the city than the overall picture, but that is simply not the case anymore. Atletico beat Real Madrid to the league title last season, while the pair also met in the final of the Champions League, with Real winning in extra-time.
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In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won two of the last five matches, with Real Madrid winning just once and the further match ending in a draw. The two sides have already met in the league this season, with Atletico winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu back in September.
Before their September meeting, the two sides also faced off in the Spanish Super Cup. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, before Atletico won 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon to claim the trophy. Atletico were supposed to fall away this season, but they have clearly not read the script.
In terms of both sides' progression to this stage of the competition, Atletico overcame L'Hospitalet 5-2 on aggregate in the last round, while Real Madrid were 9-1 winners over Cornella. As touched upon earlier, this trophy is not the main priority for these two teams, but it is still extremely important.
In terms of Copa del Rey success, Atletico have won the competition on 10 occasions, while they have also finished runners-up nine times. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have won the trophy 19 times. Barcelona have the most titles with 26, but in second position, a little surprisingly, is Athletic Bilbao on 23.
It would be fair to say that the past weekend in La Liga was a very good one for Atletico. On Saturday, Simeone's side won 3-1 at home to Levante to move onto 38 points, but they would not have expected what followed. Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Valencia, before Barcelona suffered a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad to throw the title race wide open once again. It is hotting up very nicely indeed in La Liga.
Prior to the defeat against Valencia, Real Madrid had won their last 22 games in all competitions and picked up the Club World Cup along the way. However, Carlo Ancelotti's side were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan in a friendly last week, before suffering defeat at Valencia. Can they bounce back here?
Atletico remain third in La Liga, but they are level on points with second-place Barcelona having played the same number of games and just one point behind the leaders Real Madrid, who have played a game fewer. At the moment, Real Madrid are still in a strong position despite a disappointing weekend.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! As confirmed by Simeone, Fernando Torres makes his league debut for Atletico from the start. There are also places in the team for Jesus Gamez, Saul Niguez and Lucas Hernandez. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, leaves Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.
TEAMS
ATLETICO: Oblak; Gamez, Godin, Gimenez, Lucas; Suarez, Gabi; Griezmann, Garcia, Saul; Torres
REAL: Navas; Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Khedira, Isco; Bale, Benzema, James
So there we have it. Still no Miranda for Atletico this evening, meaning that Jose Gimenez starts alongside Diego Godin at centre-back. It is a big night for Lucas, meanwhile, who starts at left-back. Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez, meanwhile, will be asked to support lone forward Torres.
As mentioned, Cristiano Ronaldo is only on the bench for Real Madrid tonight. As a result, James Rodriguez has moved into a forward position, opening up a spot in midfield for Sami Khedira. Alvaro Arbeloa replaces Dani Carvajal at right-back, while Keylor Navas starts in goal in place of Iker Casillas.
What a night it promises to be for this man. The return home...
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As touched upon, before defeat at Valencia, Real Madrid had been on an incredible 22-match winning run in all competitions. That run started after their 2-1 defeat at home to Atletico earlier in the season. Incredibly, that result left Los Blancos with just three points from their first three league games.
Suddenly it clicked for Ancelotti and his side, however, with their incredible run seeing the club breeze through their Champions League group, move to the top of the table and advance in the Copa del Rey. Oh, they also won the Club World Cup in Morocco towards the end of last month.
Last season Ancelotti delivered a 10th European Cup for Real Madrid and it would be fair to say that they are the favourites to claim the trophy once again. No side in the modern era has ever retained the Champions League, but you just get the feeling that this squad is equipped to do just that.
Real Madrid could be forgiven for thinking that such a long winning run would have placed them in a very strong position in the league, but Barcelona and Atletico have both kept picking up vital points. When the Champions League returns next month, matters will surely hot up once again.
Despite positive results in their last two matches, Atletico were on a mini-slump last month as they lost at home to Villarreal before drawing 2-2 with L'Hospitalet in the second leg of their last-32 Copa del Rey clash despite Simeone putting out a strong team. That said, their form as a whole has been strong.
Atletico's title success last season was their first since 1996, but their task was made even harder this summer by the loss of key players. Those that arrived have impressed/started to impress, however, with Mario Mandzukic and Griezmann both helping ease the memory of a certain Diego Costa.
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The next couple of months for Atletico could well define their season. They travel to Barcelona in the league on Sunday, before facing Real Madrid in the second leg of this tie next Thursday. They then face Granada, Rayo Vallecano and Eibar, before welcoming Real Madrid in the league on February 7.
Next month also sees the return of the Champions League, with Atletico drawn against German side Bayer Leverkusen. Another final appearance seems unlikely, but that was also the case last season. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will also face German opposition in the shape of Schalke 04 next month.
Real Madrid have some quite favourable league fixtures to come, meanwhile, with games against Espanyol, Getafe and Cordoba before the end of January. That said, before travelling to Atletico on February 7, Ancelotti's side will face a revitalised Real Sociedad and Champions League-chasing Sevilla.
PREDICTION! Both sides are without/have rested key players tonight, but it still promises to be a fascinating match. Real Madrid will be keen to bounce back from their defeat at Valencia, but Atletico don't often lose at the Calderon. I am finding it difficult to separate the two sides. For me, a 1-1 draw.
Here we go then. Both sides will soon join us on the field ahead of the first period. As expected, there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope that matters on the field do not disappoint!
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided at the Calderon this evening, with the second leg at the Bernabeu to come next Thursday. It is a real treat on this fairly mild evening in the Spanish capital.
It is indeed a capacity crowd this evening - little under 55,000 inside the Calderon. There is always a special feeling around these matches and tonight is no different. The away side get the action underway...
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to take the lead as Ramos meets a corner from James, but Oblak makes an excellent point-blank save. It has been a very strong start from the visitors, with a couple more corners causing concern inside the Atletico box. Nothing low-key about the start!
All the possession belongs to Real Madrid in the early stages here, with Kroos and Khedira seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. Torres has had a touch, but the Spaniard was challenged by Ramos. You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight will be crucial, for confidence if nothing else.
Torres collects a through pass from Godin before lifting one just wide of the post, but the Spaniard had been in an offside position. The Atletico forward looks full of running inside the opening six minutes.
It is a big night for Lucas this evening, with the 18-year-old, who is a centre-back, starting at left-back for the home side. The Frenchman has come through a couple of early tests against Bale, but Real Madrid have certainly started this match the brighter as they continue to pass and probe in the final third.
Kroos is dictating the tempo at the moment, with the German combining with Khedira before releasing Bale, but the Welshman just runs out of space. Atletico are down the other end with Griezmann moments later, but the Frenchman cannot move past two challenges. Still goalless with 10 mins played.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but the away side remain in control of the possession. Torres has proved a nuisance to the Real defence in the opening 13 minutes, but he has given away a couple of fouls, in addition to being caught on the wrong end of the linesman's flag.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Real Madrid have the ball in the back of the net as Bale converts a free kick from James, but the Welshman is flagged offside. Atletico are down the other end moments later, but Navas is across to deny Griezmann, who had placed one towards the bottom corner. That is more like it!
Raul Garcia throws Khedira to the ground inside the Real Madrid box, which hands the away side a free kick following an Atletico corner. There have been no bookings thus far, which is a surprise!
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes, with Torres's movement in the final third certainly causing problems. Atletico manage to sustain a period of pressure, but Real Madrid clear their lines without facing a strike on goal. The match is just starting to liven up with 18 mins played.
STAT! Real Madrid have had 72% possession thus far.
Real Madrid force another corner following a sustained period of pressure, with Gimenez coming across to deny Benzema. The resulting set piece is delivered by James, but Griezmann manages to thump clear. Couple of opportunities for both sides thus far, but the best chance fell to Ramos after just two mins.
CHANCE! Griezmann nicks the ball away from Varane before advancing into the Real Madrid box, but Varane is back to make a stunning challenge before the Frenchman can release a strike.
The referee does not seem to like Torres too much this evening as he turns away from a Marcelo challenge on the Atletico striker, which does not go down well with the supporters! This place is going crazy.
Half-chance for the home side as Saul meets a sweeping pass from Gabi, but the midfielder cannot angle a cross towards Torres, who was waiting in the middle. Real Madrid attempt to break, but Suarez is across to challenge James, who is not best pleased with the decision. Still no yellow cards here.
BOOKING! Marcelo (Real Madrid) picks up the first booking for a late challenge on Gamez.
Torres likes being offside at the moment as another call goes against the Spaniard.
Bale attempts to fashion a chance for the away side after driving down the right, but the Welshman is just crowded out at the vital moment by two defenders. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining and still the score is 0-0. Torres, meanwhile, continues to move offside and give away free kicks.
BOOKING! Khedira (Real Madrid) is booked for an elbow on Torres.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. As expected, it has been a very tight first period in Madrid.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Garcia picks up a loose header from Varane inside the box, but the Spaniard's effort is blocked by Marcelo. Excellent defending from the left-back.
Real Madrid have the chance to threaten from a James free kick, but his delivery fails to beat the first man and Atletico move up the field. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Calderon.
Half-chance for Khedira as the German meets a cross from Arbeloa, but his header is just over.
Half-chance for Real Madrid this time as Benzema combines with Isco outside the Atletico box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Oblak, who has had a couple of decent saves this evening. Not too much from the home side in terms of attacking threat at the moment, with Griezmann crowded out once more.
Possession football from Real Madrid as they pass and probe outside the Atletico box. Eventually a dangerous cross comes in from Bale, but Gamez is on hand to clear for yet another Real Madrid corner.
Pass, pass, pass from Real Madrid, but yet again Atletico close the door in the final third.
Bale tries his luck for the away side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. I shouldn't think that there will be any added time at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 0-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two sides level at 0-0. Both teams have had half-chances, but the best opportunity fell to Real Madrid early on, when Atletico goalkeeper Oblak denied Ramos from a point-blank header. What will the second 45 mins bring?
STATS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 74%, while they have had four attempts - two of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their four attempts. There have also been a couple of bookings, with Khedira and Marcelo carded for the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! Atletico boss Simeone has plenty of attacking options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Raul Jimenez, Mario Mandzukic, Arda Turan and Koke all available. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have a certain Cristiano Ronaldo in reserve. Jese Rodriguez is also on the Los Blancos bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period in Madrid. It was a fairly eventful first half, but let's hope for goals in the second. Atletico get the second 45 mins underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage. Real Madrid have started the second period as they ended the first - in control of the possession.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as James drives into the Atletico box, but Lucas is across to make a brilliant challenge. Koke, Mandzukic and Turan have all been sent to warm-up the home side, meanwhile.
There has not been a 0-0 draw between these two sides for 27 matches so that result does not seem too likely. Atletico break into the Real Madrid half for the first time in the second period, but Gamez cannot deliver a cross from the right. Eventually the ball is worked into the box, but Suarez handles.
Griezmann tries his luck after collecting a flick-on from Torres, but the Frenchman's effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Better from Atletico in the last couple of mins.
CLOSE! Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to take the lead as Bale meets a cross from Marcelo, but the Welshman just places his effort wide of the post. Excellent opportunity for Bale there.
A certain Ronaldo has been sent to warm-up for Real Madrid. I suspect that we will see the Portuguese at some point this evening. Real Madrid continue to force the issue in wide positions, but the home side have been very strong from set pieces. Still goalless with 55 mins on the clock at the Calderon.
The pressure from the away side continues as James curls one from just outside the box, but his effort was always rising high of the crossbar. Atletico are preparing to make their first change here...
PENALTY ATLETICO MADRID!
BOOKING! Atletico are awarded a penalty and Ramos is booked as the centre-back pulls Garcia to the ground inside the box. It is harsh for me. What a chance for the home side here.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Real Madrid (Garcia, pen)
Garcia expertly finishes into the bottom corner to send Atletico ahead. What a finish!
SUB! Atletico make their first change as Koke replaces Torres.
BOOKING! Gamez (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Benzema.
It is all livening up here, with the challenges flying in from both sides. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is preparing to enter the field for the away side. It was only a matter of time until that change was made.
SUB! The change is made as Ronaldo replaces James.
Well, little over 25 minutes of the second period remaining and Atletico lead. However, Real Madrid are now a different proposition with Ronaldo on the field. I still fancy my pre-match prediction of 1-1.
BOOKING! Griezmann (Atletico) is booked for a lunge on Kroos.
Good pressure from the away side in the last couple of minutes, but they are finding it difficult to break through this Atletico defence, which has been so solid all evening. Turan is imminent...
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Turan replaces Saul.
Bale has come to the forefront in the last couple of minutes, but still Real Madrid are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. You just get the feeling that the visitors will create chances in the latter stages, but Atletico have such a threat on the counter. It promises to be a fascinating end here.
BOOKING! Gabi (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Marcelo.
Free kick for Real Madrid here in an advanced position...
... Ronaldo strikes the set piece, but there are no takers on the drilled cross.
SUB! Atletico make their third change as Mandzukic replaces Griezmann.
SUB! Real Madrid also make a change as Jese replaces Benzema.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Real Madrid (Gimenez)
Atletico double their lead with 76 minutes on the clock as Gimenez heads a Gabi corner into the top corner. Sensational header from the excellent centre-back, who has been stunning this evening.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and Atletico are two goals ahead here. Is it going to be a second successive defeat for Real Madrid? Los Blancos have not really been at it this evening.
Arbeloa is fortunate to escape a red card as the Real Madrid defender makes a poor challenge on Gabi, but the referee did not spot the incident, much to the frustration of the home players. The noise inside the stadium is just incredible at the moment with little under 10 mins to play in Madrid.
Atletico might be leading 2-0, but one goal for the away side at this stage would turn the tie. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match and it could well be decisive either way.
SUB! Real Madrid make their third change as Carvajal replaces Arbeloa.
Real Madrid continue to dominate possession in the final third, but they are still finding it very difficult to break through. Kroos strikes one from outside the box, but Oblak is down to make the save.
BOOKING! Godin (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Ronaldo.
Real Madrid continue to pass and probe, but it is the same old story with that final ball.
BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is booked for a lunge on Gabi.
We are into the first of five additional minutes here following an injury to Lucas.
Atletico have possession in the Real Madrid half as the clock continues to tick. It looks as if Real Madrid are going to lose their second successive match after winning their previous 22 in all comps.
It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for the home side at the moment as they clear their lines time and time again. It just has not happened for Real Madrid this evening and Atletico have deserved their win.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 2-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. It is another fantastic evening for Atletico, who will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of this last-16 tie next week. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
