Real Madrid have leapfrogged neighbours Atletico Madrid into second place in La Liga after winning a fiery Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Santiago Solari’s side moved to within five points of league leaders Barcelona with Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale on target in a contest dominated by VAR decisions.
Alvaro Morata netted a superb individual effort against his former club that would have levelled the contest at 2-2, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
Los Blancos broke the deadlock after just 16 minutes with Diego Simeone’s usually resolute backline undone by a simple set piece.
Toni Kroos’ corner kick was met by Ramos, who nodded across to Casemiro, left unmarked eight yards out from goal. The Brazilian still had to find the finish however, beating Jan Oblak with an acrobatic effort.
Antoine Griezmann hauled Atletico back into it, slotting past Thibaut Courtois after Angel Correa had robbed Vinicius of possession on the half-way line – although replays suggested the Brazilian may have been fouled in the process.
There was more controversy for the third goal of the game with Vinicius this time the beneficiary. The 18-year-old was clipped by Jose Gimenez as he cut across the Uruguayan, but initial contact appeared to take place outside of the box.
Despite a VAR review, the penalty was awarded with Ramos slotting home three minutes from the half-time whistle.
Morata thought he had silenced his critics, producing a moment of magic against his former employers to level the contest 10 minutes into the second-half.
Plucking a long pass out of the air, the former Chelsea man brilliantly lobbed his former Blues teammate from the edge of the penalty area. VAR was once again had a role to play, however, chalking off the Spaniard’s effort for offside.
Atletico felt they should have been given a penalty with Morata again involved in game dominated by controversy at times. Their appeals were turned away however with Bale wrapping up the win with 15 minutes remaining - his 100th competitive goal for the club.
Any hopes of a late fightback were ended when Thomas Partay was shown a straight red card on 80 minutes.
