Atletico Madrid crush Real Madrid in one sided derby

Atletico Madrid threw the race for the BBVA Primera Liga wide open on Saturday when they defeated local rivals, Real Madrid 4-0 in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

Atletico tore their rivals apart throughout the entire 90 minutes of the game, showing more desire, hunger and commitment than their neighbors and winning virtually 50-50 ball.

As a result of Atletico's win, they pull to within four points of Real Madrid, but the result also means that FC Barcelona also have their own title destiny in their own hands and should they win their remaining games this season, they would be champions.

Real Madrid went into the game without several key players, including James Rodriguez and central defensive duo, Sergio Ramos and Pepe. That meant Rafael Varene partnered Nacho Fernandez in the heart of the back line.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had commented that his side had lost experience as a result of the injuries and Atletico looked to exploit that as Real made a dreadful start.

Although the home side were forced to change the injured Koke after just nine minutes, they took the lead five minutes later after Tiago drilled a low shot past Iker Casillas after great work by Mario Mandzukic following a corner.

Casillas might feel he could have done better to have stopped the shot, which squeezed under his hand, but he was helpless when Atletico doubled their lead four minutes later.

Guillermo Siqueira made space on the left and with the Madrid defense watching Saul, who had replaced Koke, scored with an overhead kick, which went in off the post.

Real Madrid looked to have surrendered possession of the ball, relying on long balls from the back, which Atletico dealt with comfortably and the league leaders were lucky not to concede a penalty when Sami Khedira looked to have handled Godin's close range shot.

The last 15 minutes of the half saw Real Madrid look to dominate more and Atletico dropped deeper to defend, although the fact is that home goalkeeper, Miguel Angel Moya was not forced into a save during the first 45 minutes.

It was clear that Real Madrid would have to change something at the break and Ancelotti replaced Sami Khedira with Jese Rodriguez

That sparked a brief revival, but Atletico weathered the storm with relative ease and when Antoine Griezmann pushed home from close range after great work from Saul, it was game over. All that was left was for Mandzukic to add a fourth in the closing minutes and for the Atletico fans to celebrate a famous win. Endi