Real Madrid came out on top in the first derby of the season after beating Atlético in matchday 12 of the league season. A powerful header from Kathellen gave Alberto Toril's side all three points against a tough opponent at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium as the madridistas continue their good run of form in December.
The derby got off to a very intense start and Real Madrid almost went ahead in the ninth minute when Esther fired in a shot in the six-yard box, but Santos parried the ball away to keep the score at 0-0. A shot from Feller was blocked by Gallardo as our team went in search of the opener. The pace of the match slowed down and Atlético began to create chances of their own. With 19 minutes on the clock, Eva Navarro's curling shot narrowly missed the target. The visitors had a good chance before the break when Santos' free-kick sailed just over Misa's crossbar.
Video.1-0: A Kathellen goal clinches derby win
Tightly matched affair
After the break, Atlético sent out the first warning shots. Misa kept out the visitors in the 54th minute by denying Ajibade in a one-on-one. Madrid's hit back 16 minutes later as Toletti shot wide from distance. The Whites kept looking for a breakthrough and with six minutes to go Kathellen got on the end of a Teresa corner, with the Brazilian beating her marker to head home and grab the winning goal. Weir came close to doubling the lead shortly afterwards but Gallardo turned it away. The score remained unchanged in the end and Toril's side claimed victory. Real Madrid now turn their attention to Friday's game against PSG, as they look to stay in the hunt for a place in the next round of the Women's Champions League.
MATCH INFO:
1-Real Madrid: Misa, K. Robles, Rocío, Toletti, Olga, Esther (Svava, 46’), Weir, Kathellen, Feller (Nahikari, 92’), Zornoza (Teresa, 46’) and Athenea.
0-Atlético: Gallardo, Van Dongen, Irene G., Santos (Moraza, 71’), Cinta, Ajibade, M. Cardona, Eva Navarro (Majarín, 71’), Medina (Stasková, 88’), Shei and Lundkvist (Banini, 88’).
Goals
1-0 (min 84): Kathellen.
