MADRID -- Three thoughts from Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the last Madrid derby at the Vicente Calderon.
1. Madrid take full control of title race
Real Madrid took full control of the La Liga title race on Saturday, as Cristiano Ronaldo's hat trick saw off an almost unrecognisable Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
Madrid came into the game unbeaten in all competitions this season, but beset by questions around Zinedine Zidane's tactical nous, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's form, and a spate of injuries that saw Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema left out of the starting XI. However, Zidane's remodelled team -- with a revitalised Isco playing a floating No. 10 role behind centre-forward Ronaldo -- dominated the game and fully deserved their win.
Isco was in the team due only to the fitness problems of Benzema, Casemiro and Toni Kroos, but he was the best player on show early on, moving the ball quickly and cleverly, pirouetting away from tackles and creating chances for his teammates. With Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic also doing well, the visitors' midfield dominance gave Ronaldo the perfect platform on which to perform -- and his goal deservedly had them in the lead at half-time.
Atletico had been unusually passive in the first 45 minutes, but came out more revved up after the break as Yannick Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann came close to finding an equaliser. The momentum had shifted, with Madrid sitting deep and hoping to hit on the counter -- a policy that brought much criticism last season when Rafa Benitez was in charge and the game finished 1-1.
The plan worked perfectly here, though, with extra help from Atletico centre-back Stefan Savic, whose stumble allowed Ronaldo to pounce. There was then a tangle of legs and the referee pointed to the spot. Madrid's evening soon got even sweeter, when Isco and Gareth Bale started a sweeping counterattack and Ronaldo completed his hat trick at the back posthttp://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?im
2. Ronaldo breaks Madrid derby goals record
After a below-par start to his club campaign and some low-key derbis in recent years, Ronaldo was due for a big performance in a big game like this. And the Portuguese definitely delivered tonight with an all-around centre-forward's display, including three goals.
With Alvaro Morata hamstrung and Benzema fit only for the bench, Ronaldo was pressed into action up top, and the position seemed to suit him. His first chance was a towering back-post header after good work from Isco and Marcelo that forced a world-class save from Atleti keeper Jan Oblak.
But Oblak was left powerless as Ronaldo opened the scoring with a 25-yard free kick right at the midway point in the first half. The shot was powerfully struck, if central, but it flicked off the Atletico wall, meaning whatever chance the home keeper had of stopping it was gone. Ronaldo seemed boosted by the goal too, and skillfully turned his marker Savic before testing Oblak again. He was also working hard off the ball, coming deep to intercept a pass before dribbling two Atletico players and winning a throw-in to help relieve pressure on his defence.
Ronaldo was not so involved after the break -- first coming to notice when both he and Koke were yellow carded following a squaring up in which the two raised their hands but no blows were landed. But he showed plenty of experience and composure to win and convert the penalty for 2-0, and was then in the right place to get his third from Bale's superb assist.
3. Unrecognisable Atletico left to focus on cup titles
Atletico coach Diego Simeone's plan to tweak his team's tactics and make them more attractive and attacking this season has not worked out well.
Simeone's side deserved to be behind at the break -- and it seemed their more open shape was to blame. They conceded for a fifth consecutive match, with the goal coming when they were broken open down the centre by a Lucas Vazquez run.
Meanwhile, their more attack-minded midfield was not really in the game, with Isco dominating Koke in the battle of young Spanish playmakers and Madrid controlling proceedings for much of the first half. Fernando Torres and Griezmann were isolated up top and unable to really get involved.
Atletico were better after the break, with their intensity turned up a notch. Koke was much more involved on the ball and Griezmann buzzed around more intensely. But with the team still 1-0 down, Simeone doubled down on his positive approach by removing Torres and Gabi for speedsters Kevin Gameiro and Angel Correa near the hour mark.
That made the game even more open and Atletico paid the price, first through Savic's mistake and then when they were sliced open very easily by Isco and Bale. The doggedness and solidity which has been a hallmark of the side since Simeone took over almost five years ago was not really there.
Atletico have now lost three of their past four La Liga games and are nine points adrift of La Liga leaders Madrid. Only one team in history has ever recovered from such a gap to win the Spanish title (Barcelona in 1998-99). Simeone and his team realistically now have just cup competitions to focus on this campaign, and could even face a fight to ensure a top-four spot and Champions League football at their new stadium next year.
