MADRID: Atletico Madrid ended a run of 23 league derbies without a win when Diego Costa struck early to clinch a 1-0 victory over city rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Following up their 2-1 King’s Cup final victory after extra time at the same venue in May, Atletico proved they had finally shaken off their inferiority complex with another gritty La Liga performance.
Brazilian striker Costa took his tally for the season to eight league goals when he broke away to score in the 11th minute, and Atletico could have avoided a nervy finale by putting away some of the clear chances they created.
Diego Simeone’s side joined Barcelona at the top of the table with a maximum 21 points from seven games but are second on goal difference. Real stayed third with 16 points.
“We are delighted with the result and with the team effort,” Atletico and Spain midfielder Koke told reporters. “Title challengers? We are going to take it game by game.”
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona before having to leave the pitch with a suspected torn muscle in his right thigh as the La Liga leaders beat Almeria 2-0 and made it seven wins from seven games on Saturday.
Chances were few and far between until Messi opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a magnificent shot from outside of the box.
The Argentine’s shot curled into the corner of the net giving Almeria keeper Esteban no chance.
That was virtually all Messi did in the game as he was forced to limp off after half an hour with a muscle injury to be replaced by Xavi.
Adriano scored the second of the game 10 minutes after the break after Fabregas picked up his well timed run in to the Almeria penalty area.
Meanwhile Messi will have tests on Sunday to determine the extent of his injury and Barca will be keeping their fingers crossed.
In other matches, Valencia continued to recover from their poor start to the season with a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano, while Real Sociedad are ninth with seven points after a 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla. (Agencies)