"The Ronaldo show!" - how the world press reacted to the derby
According to the international media, Real Madrid "humiliated" Atletico in the last ever LaLiga derby at the Calderón, and drooled over the performances of Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Olé (Argentina) – ‘Cristiano continues making history’
The king of Madrid: with three unanswered goals, Real won 3-0 against Simeone's Atleti in the the city’s el Clásico. With his hat-trick, Cristiano overtook Di Stéfano to become the highest goalscorer in the history of the Madrid derby. What’s more, with 8 LaLiga strikes, he’s caught up with Messi and Suaréz as in the league chart. What an animal. Although it’s been difficult [this season], Cristiano continues making history at Real Madrid. With this performance the Portuguese star has made a dash toward the finishing in the race for the Balon d’Or.
The Mirror (UK) – ‘Atleti knocked out of the title running’
A day which many expected to see Barcelona usurp Real at the top of the table instead saw Zinedine Zidane's men extend their lead into a now commanding four points over the Catalans.
Barca's inability to break down nine-man Malaga earlier in the day ensured Real would remain on top no matter the outcome at the Calderon, but they laid down a marker with arguably the most impressive result of a now 29-game unbeaten run. Moreover, they almost certainly knocked Atletico out of the title running in the process with the red and white side of the Spanish capital now nine points adrift after a third defeat in four La Liga games.
L’Equipe (France) – 'Madrid owe performance to Isco'
With Ronaldo’s treble, Real Madrid humiliated Atletico in the last ever LaLiga derby at the Calderón. With these three points, they go nine points clear of their rival, a gap that is not so surprising after the evidence of this game. Evidently, Crisitano was the man of the match. However, the Portuguese and everyone at Real Madrid owes their great performance to Isco.”
The Guardian (UK) – 'Bale delivered the perfect pass'
In this formation, Ronaldo’s position was the No9 role he has increasingly adopted over the last two years and he responded his way: with a hat-trick. Isco, meanwhile, found himself in a role that rarely exists in this side and one in which, given freedom and responsibility, suits him best. “His best position,” in his manager’s words. For 45 minutes he was superb: passing, dribbling, turning, working, his touch smooth. Bandy-legged, wide-hipped, so often in possession , he stood out. From the middle, he combined with Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic and carried towards Ronaldo.