Real Madrid 0-0 Atlético: LaLiga 2018/19 derby result, report
Real Madrid missed the chance to go top of LaLiga after Saturday night's Madrid derby against Atlético ended goalless at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid missed the chance to go top of LaLiga after playing out a goalless draw with Atlético Madrid on Saturday night, in a nonetheless enjoyable Spanish-capital derby that saw the two goalkeepers star.
Courtois keeps out Griezmann and Costa as Atleti enjoy better first-half chances
With leaders Barcelona held at the Camp Nou by Athletic Bilbao earlier in the day, Julen Lopetegui's men knew they would leapfrog the Blaugrana into top spot with a first home league win over Atlético since 2012; however, it was the visitors who enjoyed much the clearer opportunities to score in the opening 45.
That they did not was thanks to home keeper Thibaut Courtois, once of Atlético. Either side of an opening for Gareth Bale that the Real forward flashed just wide, the Belgian twice denied Atleti strikers in one-on-one situations, saving first from Antoine Griezmann after 19 minutes, then from Diego Costa soon before the break.
Oblak shines as Ceballos helps Real dominate second half
At half time, Bale was taken off with a groin problem and, with Dani Ceballos brought on in his place, the introduction of the ex-Real Betis midfielder helped the hosts to take control of the second period. However, it was now Atlético custodian Jan Oblak's turn to shine between the sticks.
Los Rojiblancos were particularly grateful to the Slovenian for keeping out Marco Asensio midway through the half, when Toni Kroos found the forward in shooting space inside the box; and for beating out Dani Carvajal's fierce close-range drive with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Vinicius brought on for first-team debut for hosts
Brazilian starlet Vinicius, who has sparkled for Real Madrid's 'B' team, Castilla, since arriving in a 45-million-euro deal this summer, was handed an eagerly-awaited debut as the hosts pressed, in vain, for a winner.
Real Madrid 0-0 Atlético Madrid: as it happened
Real Madrid vs Atlético: Madrid derby preview
Real Madrid host Atlético Madrid in 'El Derbi Madrileño' tonight (20:45 CEST) looking to avenge their UEFA Super Cup defeat to Diego Simeone's men, and end a run of nearly six years without a home league win over their city rivals.
Real went down 4-2 to Atlético in August's Super Cup in Tallinn - in Julen Lopetegui's first competitive game as boss of Los Blancos - and haven't defeated Los Rojiblancos in LaLiga at the Bernabéu since a 2-0 victory in back in December 2012.
Lopetegui's men are also out to get back to winning ways after Wednesday's comprehensive, 3-0 league thumping away to Sevilla - and, in the wake of Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao this afternoon, can leapfrog the Catalans into first place if they beat Atlético.
After winning just one of their first four LaLiga games this season, meanwhile, Atlético have now bounced back with two straight league victories - most recently against Huesca on Tuesday, goals by Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Partey and Koke sealing a comprehensive triumph.
That means that, having been sevent points off top spot just a fortnight ago, a win today would see Los Colchoneros move above Real and level on points with leaders Barça - who would, barring a thrashing at the Bernabéu, remain at the head of the table on goal difference.
Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid: line-ups
Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Nacho, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Bale, Benzema, Asensio
Atlético Madrid: Oblak, Juanfran, Giménez, Godín, Filipe Luis, Koke, Rodrigo, Saúl, Lemar, Diego Costa, Griezmann