Karim Benzema is the second top scorer in La Liga with 13 goals, only one behind Lionel Messi
Karim Benzema scored the only goal as Real beat Atletico in the Madrid derby to go six points clear at the top of La Liga.
The French striker converted Ferland Mendy’s cross from six yards out to give Real a deserved win.
Fifth-placed Atletico, who have not won in five games, were disappointing, although Angel Correa hit the post.
Real could have won by more with half-time substitute Vinicius Jr forcing two saves from Jan Oblak.
Gareth Bale was left out of the squad despite being fit.
Zinedine Zidane’s side are now unbeaten in 21 games and have won eight in a row – including a penalty shootout success over Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup.
Second-placed Barcelona host Levante on Sunday (20:00 GMT).
- Line-ups
- Match Stats
- Live Text
Line-ups
Real Madrid
- 13Courtois
- 2Carvajal
- 5Varane
- 4Ramos
- 23MendyBooked at 83mins
- 14CasemiroBooked at 88mins
- 8KroosSubstituted forVinรญcius Jรบniorat 45'minutes
- 15Valverde
- 10Modric
- 22IscoSubstituted forVรกzquezat 45'minutes
- 9Benzema
Substitutes
- 1Areola
- 3Militรฃo
- 12Marcelo
- 16Rodrรญguez
- 17Vรกzquez
- 18Jovic
- 25Vinรญcius Jรบnior
Atl Madrid
- 13Oblak
- 24VrsaljkoBooked at 80mins
- 15Savic
- 18FelipeBooked at 66mins
- 12Lodi dos Santos
- 10Correa
- 14Llorente
- 5ParteySubstituted forCamelloat 74'minutes
- 8Saรบl
- 9MorataSubstituted forLemarat 50'minutes
- 20Machรญn PรฉrezSubstituted forCarrascoat 71'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Adรกn
- 11Lemar
- 17Saponjic
- 21Carrasco
- 22Hermoso
- 34Camello
- 38Moya
Referee:Xavier Estrada FernรกndezAttendance:77,223
Match Stats
Home TeamReal MadridAway TeamAtl MadridPossessionHome65%Away35%ShotsHome16Away4Shots on TargetHome5Away1CornersHome5Away6FoulsHome18Away11
Live Text
Posted at
Match ends, Real Madrid 1, Atlรฉtico de Madrid 0.