Benzema's superb goal with just over fifteen minutes gone and another from Asensio in the 57th minute, both from Vini Jr's assists, secured the three points for Ancelotti's side, who have now not conceeded in four games and move eight points clear of second-placed Sevilla.
The match started with a high tempo, but lacked clear-cut chances. The first came after 11 minutes when Kroos whipped in a corner, Militão flicked on at the front post and the ball sailed across the six-yard box but no one was able to get on the end of it. Everything changed five minutes later after Modrić won back the ball in midfield and Casemiro picked it up before playing in Benzema. The Frenchman laid the ball off to Asensio as the counter-attack picked up pace. Vini Jr. received on the right wing and his delivery was met by Benzema who fired a spectacular right-footed volley past Oblak.
Video.2-0: Madrid win the derby and remain in top spot
The goal spurred on the hosts, who controlled the proceedings up until the break. The closest Atlético came to drawing level was when Griezmann’s free-kick was turned away by Courtois on 34’. Four minutes later, Madrid almost doubled their lead. Casemiro played through Vini Jr., the Brazilian tried to lob the on-rushing Oblak, but the keeper pushed the ball over for a corner.
After the re-start, the visitors dominated the possession in the early stages. On 51’, a reverse-ball by João Félix caught out the Madrid back line to find Cunha, but Courtois was quick off his line to smother the ball. Real Madrid hit back seven minutes after when Vini Jr. was played in by Luka Jović and the Brazilian squared the ball for Marco Asensio to slide in a second goal for the Whites, as the Mallorcan netted for the second consecutive game. Ancelotti’s side defended resolutely and Courtois was in inspired form to push away anything that was thrown at him. Vini Jr. had the chance to add a third on 78’, when he was inches away from getting on the end of a low cross by Mendy, as Real Madrid came out on top in the derby.
Real Madrid record ten consecutive victories, four of them away from home. The run began before the international break, when they beat Elche (1-2), Shakhtar Donetsk (2-1) and Rayo Vallecano (2-1). They then went on to beat Granada (1-4) and Tiraspol Stadion (0-3), and added to their run by beating Sevilla (2-1), Athletic (1-0), Real Sociedad (0-2), Inter Milan (2-0) and Atlético (2-0).
The Whites have been solid at the back and Courtois hasn’t conceded a goal in Real Madrid’s four games played in December: three at the Santiago Bernabéu and one away – after clashes against Athletic (1-0), Real Sociedad (0-2), Inter Milan (2-0) and Atlético (2-0).
Mateu Lahoz (Valencia), assisted by Cebrián Devis and Porras Rico. Ruiperez Marín was the fourth official and Iglesias Villanueva (Galicia) was the video assistant referee.
