A first-half penalty by Yannick Ferreira Carrasco earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory in a fiery derby clash against champions Real Madrid Sunday, as the hosts tightened their grip on a place in next season's Champions League.
Atletico, who welcomed the newly crowned LaLiga champions to Wanda Metropolitano without the traditional guard of honor, came out pressing high as Angel Correa and Carrasco had two great chances to open the scoring within the first 10 minutes.
Carrasco put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute, after a penalty was awarded to Atletico following a Video Assistant Referee review for a foul on Matheus Cunha.
The goal sparked Carlo Ancelotti's side into life, despite several players being rested after Real clinched their 35th league title last weekend, and some powerful shots threatened goalkeeper Jan Oblak's goal before halftime.
The Slovenia international pulled off another great save minutes before fulltime to keep out Marco Asensio's attempt to equalize with a low free-kick effort from outside of the box.
Diego Simeone's side remain fourth in the standings on 64 points, six clear of Real Betis in fifth, and with three games left to play.
The top four qualify for the Champions League next season.
RESULTS
Getafe 0 Vallecano 0
Villarreal 1 (Celso 86) Sevilla 1 (Kounde 90+5)
Espanyol 1 (Ribaudo 67) Osasuna 1 (Barja 42)
Atletico 1 (Carrasco 40-P) Real Madrid 0
