Atletico 1-0 Real Madrid: Carrasco penalty brings Champions League closer
Diego Simeone's side are in a strong position now with three games to be played
Atletico Madrid took a huge step towards being in next season's Champions League by beating Real Madrid 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday to seal their first derby win in LaLiga since 2016.
Yannick Carrasco scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Matheus Cunha
was fouled by Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo.
The win moves Atletico six pints clear of Real Betis in the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot with just three games to be played this season.
Madrid, who sealed the title last week, remain 12 points clear of Barcelona.
With LaLiga wrapped up and a Champions League final to come later this month, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made plenty of changes.
Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr and Ferland Mendy were among those left on the bench -- Benzema didn't even come on.
Still, Atletico had to take advantage of facing a weakened team. Carrasco did just that when he opened the scoring from the spot in the 40th minute but Diego Simeone's side missed a string of chances to double their lead.
Antoine Griezmann came close and Carrasco hit the post, paving the way for a late Madrid onslaught at the Wanda.
However, there was to be no late drama this time, as Atletico held on to edge closer to next season's Champions League.
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