Spanish papers hail Real Madrid after derby victory over Atletico

Real Madrid secured a vital victory over rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday and the Spanish press believe it was a turning point in what has been a difficult season.

Goals from Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale secured the victory after Antoine Griezmann had levelled following Casemiro’s opener.

The result saw Santiago Solari’s men close the gap on leaders Barcelona to five points, the Catalans due to visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.

Spanish paper AS hailed the ‘return’ over Real Madrid after Sunday’s victory over Atletico

Marca also saw the victory as a huge turning point in the season of Santiago Solari’s men

The papers in Spain were full of praise with both AS and Marca leading with headlines about the ‘return’ of Madrid.

The former went on to say that the Spanish giants are now ready to fight for everything until the end of the season. 

Both outlets also spoke a lot about the impact of VAR, the game having featured a number of controversial decisions.

Madrid captain Sergio Ramos celebrates with his team-mates after the final whistle 

Atletico were convinced that Jose Gimenez fouled Vinicius Junior just outside the box for Ramos’ penalty, before another VAR decision saw the hosts miss out on a spot-kick of their own when Alvaro Morata went over after a slight collision in the box with Casemiro.    

Atletico boss Diego Simeone insisted the technology was not to blame, however, accepting that the better team won.

‘I do not usually talk about the VAR,’ Simeone told reporters. ‘It will clearly improve for the good of everyone. I absolutely do not believe that we have lost because of VAR.

‘It was a tough hard game in which they were better than us, more forceful. They played a very good game and we congratulate them.’