Saturday afternoon's early start in La Liga pitted champions Atletico Madrid against league leaders Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.
The home side led 2-0 at the interval following goals from Tiago and Saul Niguez.
Real improved in the second period, but they conceded a third after 67 minutes when Antoine Griezmann converted from inside the box after smart work from Saul.
Atletico were not finished, however, and added a fourth late on through Mario Mandzukic to complete a thumping victory.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Real Madrid to the Vicente Calderon. This match used to be more important to the city itself rather than impacting the league, but that is no longer the case. Atletico are the reigning league champions and have some ground to make up this term. It promises to be a fascinating afternoon in Madrid.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Koke, Tiago, Gabi; Griezmann, Mandzukic, Turan
REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Nacho, Varane, Coentrao; Khedira, Isco, Kroos; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Atletico XI this afternoon, with Mario Mandzukic returning to the team alongside Antoine Griezmann and Arda Turan in attack. The midfield is just as expected, with Gabi joined by Koke and Tiago. Fernando Torres, however, is on the bench.
Real Madrid, however, have a number of problems. Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez, Luka Modric and Pepe are all injured, while Marcelo is suspended. As a result, Nacho, Fabio Coentrao and Sami Khedira come into the XI. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, returns from his suspension to start.
This will be the 156th league meeting between these two sides. Real Madrid have won 85 of those matches, with Atletico winning 37 and 33 finishing in draws. Incredibly, Atletico have not beaten Real Madrid at home in the league since the 1998-1999 season, when they recorded a 3-1 victory. Since then, they have lost 10 of their 12 league matches with Los Blancos in their own stadium.
Indeed, as mentioned, this match was more important to the fans then it was to the league itself in previous years, but that has certainly changed over the last couple of seasons due to Atletico's emergence. Last season, Atletico beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the league at the Bernabeu, before drawing 2-2 at the Calderon. Earlier this season, meanwhile, Atletico beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
The pair also met in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey earlier this season. Atletico won 2-0 at the Calderon, before drawing 2-2 at the Bernabeu. As well as beating Real Madrid to the league title last season, the two sides met in the final of the 2014 Champions League. It was Real Madrid that triumphed on that occasion, but Atletico were just two minutes away from claiming the trophy.
Right, let us focus on the here and now. As it stands, Atletico sit third in the table on 47 points, three points behind second-place Barcelona and seven points behind the leaders Real Madrid. Atletico have won 15 of their 21 league games this season, drawing twice and losing four times. Unsurprisingly, they have been stronger at home with nine wins and just one defeat from their 11 matches.
Atletico's away record in the league this season is also pretty strong, but they have lost three times. Their points total at this stage of the campaign is strong, but both Barcelona and Real Madrid have returned to their best form in recent months. If Diego Simeone's side are to remain in the race then they more than likely have to win this match. It really is that important for the home side here.
Last time out, Atletico won 3-1 at Eibar, with Mandzukic grabbing a double for the visitors. It was a professional performance on a poor pitch and made it five wins from their last six in the league. Vitally, they lost 3-1 at Barcelona on January 11, however, and will be keen to avoid another defeat against another title rival here. The atmosphere is really building inside the Vicente Calderon now...
After this match, Atletico travel to Celta Vigo in the league, before welcoming Almeria – two games that they will certainly expect to win. Champions League action then returns with a first-leg last-16 trip to Bayer Leverkusen, before they face Sevilla and Valencia in the league. It is a vital stage of the season and will determine whether it will be another successful campaign for Simeone and his team.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will enter this match full of confidence. They have won their last five in the league, with Wednesday's 2-1 win over Sevilla moving them four points clear at the summit. The match with Sevilla was Los Blancos' game in hand following their exertions in the Club World Cup. Goals from James and Jese Rodriguez secured the points, but it was a lacklustre display from Ancelotti's side.
Last weekend, Los Blancos thumped Real Sociedad 4-1 in the league. Like Atletico, Ancelotti's side have two winnable league games against Deportivo La Coruna and Elche after this match, while they will face Schalke 04 in the Champions League. They then host in-form Villarreal and also travel to Barcelona next month. It is all hotting up very nicely indeed. Little over 20 minutes until kickoff in the capital.
Surprisingly, Real Madrid have not drawn a single league game this season. They have won 18 of their 21 matches, losing three times in the process. They incredibly lost two of their first three league games of the season – one of which was against Atletico – but they have since lost just once, at Valencia.
Real Madrid also have the strongest away form in the league this season having won nine of their 11 matches. As touched on, they have enjoyed their trips to Atletico in the league in recent years, but this is a now a different Atletico. The importance of this match simply cannot be downplayed.
In terms of how both sides have performed at each end of the field, Real Madrid actually have a better defensive record than Atletico at this stage of the season. Los Blancos have conceded just 18 times in their 21 matches – keeping nine clean sheets in the process. Atletico, meanwhile, have conceded 20 times and kept eight clean sheets. Barca incredibly have the best defensive record this term.
Down the other end, Real Madrid are the leading scorers with 70, which means that they average 3.33 league goals per game – a quite incredible record. Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo is their leading scorer in the league on 28 goals. Atletico, meanwhile, have netted just 43 times in the league. Griezmann is their leading scorer, with the Frenchman netting 11 times in 20 matches. Can the Frenchman fire here?
PREDICTION! Take a look at what I had to say about this match here...
Here we go then. it does not get much bigger than this, that is for certain. It is Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid in the league. We are little under five minutes away from kickoff in the capital.
Just a reminder that a win for Real Madrid would move them seven points clear of Barcelona and 10 clear of Atletico in third position. It is a must-not lose for the hosts and don't they just know it.
It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium - as expected. The fans are in wonderful voice in Madrid. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes underway here.
It has been a fast-paced start in the middle of the pitch, with neither side shirking any of the challenges. Neither has been able to gain a foothold thus far, but Real Madrid's first break comes down the right with Carvajal. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there is one - will be crucial.
Atletico work the ball down the left, with Gabi delivering a long pass towards Siqueira, but Varane is across to clear at the vital moment. Real Madrid regain possession moments later, but they cannot keep the ball in the final third. Ronaldo delivers a low cross, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger.
Turan wants a penalty after going to ground inside the Real Madrid box, but it would have been harsh - Coentrao made little contact on the Turkish international. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, but the away side do not look convincing in defence, where they have serious absentees.
Atletico threaten on the counter as Kroos has his pocket picked in midfield, but Mandzukic's low cross is blocked for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the back post, but eventually Turan fires his effort straight at Casillas. The first attempt on goal comes to the home side here.
Big, big blow for Atletico. Koke is injured and looks likely to leave the field here.
It looks to be a hamstring problem for Koke and Saul Niguez is preparing to enter the field. Diego Godin, meanwhile, has a bloodied nose following a high challenge with Khedira.
SUB! Atletico do indeed make the change as Saul replaces the injured Koke.
We are back underway at the Calderon. Godin has been patched up after clashing with Khedira. Well, that should only heighten the tensions in the capital. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Real Madrid (Tiago)
First blood Atletico! The home side take the lead with 14 minutes on the clock Mandzukic sets up Tiago on the edge of the box and the Portuguese finds the back of the net. It is a horrible mistake from Casillas, however, with the Spaniard allowing Tiago's effort to move through his fingers.
It was a decent strike from Tiago, but it was straight at Casillas and therefore it must go down as an error from the goalkeeper. It is all Atletico at the moment as they go in search of a second goal.
Real Madrid do not look comfortable at the moment as Atletico break again with Turan, but the Turk cannot slide a pass into Saul, who had broken from midfield. The away side have not been able to get the likes of Bale and Ronaldo into the match thus far as Griezmann threatens once again.
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Real Madrid (Saul)
WOW! Atletico score their second goal as Saul finds the back of the net with an excellent over-head kick. It was wonderful work from Siqueira, who drove into the box before finding Saul and the Spaniard did the rest. Real Madrid are in all sorts of bother with little over 18 minutes on the clock.
Atletico are absolutely suffocating Real Madrid at the moment. It is just incredible to watch.
The noise inside the stadium is just deafening as Atletico continue to force the issue. Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema just have not been in this match in the opening 22 minutes. Just nowhere to be seen.
Frustration for Benzema as the Frenchman is penalised for handball, which brought to an end a decent period of possession for Real Madrid. The opening 24 minutes of this match have just flown past.
Griezmann finds the back of the net for the home side, but the flag was raised. Replays have shown that the Frenchman was indeed onside and it should be 3-0. What are Real Madrid playing at in defensive areas? There is no real shape as they drop off then push forward. Griezmann tests Casillas moments later, but this time the Spaniard makes the save. Atletico should be out of sight here.
Ronaldo delivers a cross for Real Madrid, but there are no takers and Moya is on hand to claim, which does not go down well with the Portuguese. Atletico are down the other end moments later, but this time they choose to slow it down and keep possession. The hosts are in complete control here.
BOOKING! Kroos (Real) picks up the game's first booking for a late tackle on Griezmann.
The noise inside this stadium is just deafening at the moment, with the home supporters wanting their team to put this game to bed before the interval. Real Madrid have managed to gain a period of control in the last few minutes, but they have not had a single chance of note in the first 32 minutes.
A deep free kick from Kroos causes a period of panic inside the Atletico box, but the home side manage to clear the danger. One goal for the visitors could change the course of this match here.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to score a third as Godin thumps one towards goal following a dangerous free kick from Gabi, but Khedira manages to make a fine block.
It has not been Ronaldo's day thus far and the frustration continues for the Portuguese as he hits the deck but does not receive a free kick in a wide position. Still Atletico in total control here.
First real sign of Bale as the Welshman finds some space down the right before delivering a cross, but there are no takers inside the box. The pressure continues from Real Madrid, however, with the away side searching for a goal before the break. Little under five minutes of the half remaining.
Really good pressure from the visitors as they continue to press inside the Atletico half. Bale and Ronaldo both try their luck, but there are defenders in the way. Atletico could do with half-time now.
Atletico have managed to ease the pressure somewhat as we approach the interval in Madrid.
BOOKING! Gabi (Atletico) is booked for an aerial challenge on Coentrao.
We are into the first of two additional minutes at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 2-0 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Tiago and Saul Niguez. Real Madrid grew into the half, but have really struggled to create opportunities in the final third. As it stands, Atletico will move four points behind the leaders Real.
STATS! Real Madrid have shaded the possession with 55%, but they have had just one attempt, which was off target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with four of their five attempts thus far. Surprisingly, there have been just two yellow cards, with Gabi and Kroos both booked.
BENCH WATCH! Atletico have already been forced into one change this afternoon, with Saul replacing Koke in the early stages. The hosts, however, still have options in the shape of Raul Garcia and a certain Fernando Torres. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Javier Hernandez, Jese Rodriguez and new signing Lucas Silva in reserve. Will Ancelotti look to his bench at the half-way point?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Real Madrid turn this one around at the Calderon? The hosts get the second period underway in Madrid.
SUB! Real Madrid have made one change at the break, with Jese replacing Khedira.
Without stating the obvious, Real Madrid need to score the next goal here. Atletico would not throw away a three-goal lead and it is the visitors pushing in the early stages of the second period.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Bale delivers a dangerous cross towards Ronaldo, but the attacker cannot make contact and the danger is cleared. It is Los Blancos with all the possession here.
BOOKING! Turan (Atletico) is booked for dissent.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second half, but Real Madrid are in control of the possession. Atletico are the absolute masters at defending a lead, though.
Bale absolutely clatters Moya in the Atletico goal as the home side manage to stave off the latest spell of pressure from Real Madrid, who are on the front foot at this stage of the match. It is all getting a little bit feisty on the pitch, but the card count is still surprisingly low at this stage of a derby.
BOOKING! Godin (Atletico) is now booked for dissent. The centre-back has an attempt on goal moments later, but his header was always comfortable for Casillas. All happening now!
Bale has possession taken away from him on the edge of the box as Atletico break with pace and numbers, but the attack comes to an end when Bale comes across to foul the Croatian striker.
Atletico are defending extremely deep at the moment, with Real Madrid dominating possession in the final third. The away side just cannot fashion a clear attempt, however, as Godin lashes clear.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to scoring their third as Griezmann takes advantage of some poor Real Madrid defending, but his effort, from inside the box, is straight at Casillas.
It is Atletico creating the better chances at the moment as Griezmann meets a cross from Juanfran, but his header was always dropping high of the crossbar. Real Madrid are down the other end moments later, but Ronaldo cannot keep hold of the ball and Atletico come straight back. End-to-end here!
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Tiago meets a cross from Juanfran, but once again Casillas makes the save. Atletico could have been out of sight in recent minutes.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to frustrate Real Madrid in defensive areas. Just a reminder that as it stands, Atletico are moving four points behind the league leaders. Game on!
GOAL! Atletico 3-0 Real Madrid (Griezmann)
Atletico have their third goal of the match as Griezmann turns home from close range following an excellent header from Saul. Super, super goal from the hosts, who now lead 3-0! Incredible.
SUB! Real Madrid make their second change as Illarramendi replaces Isco.
This has been a stunning, stunning performance from the hosts here. Just exceptional.
Atletico are not finished as Tiago curls one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. The home supporters are in sensational voice here with little under 20 minutes remaining.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Raul Garcia replaces Saul.
Saul has been sensational since entering the field, but he looks injured as he advances down the tunnel. Griezmann is causing Real Madrid all sorts of problems with his unbelievable pace here.
SUB! Real Madrid make their third change as Hernandez replaces Benzema.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with the home side in control of the possession. Fernando Torres, meanwhile, is preparing to enter the field for Atletico.
Garcia fires one wide of the post for the home side as the score remains 3-0.
SUB! Torres enters the field in place of Griezmann.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid have still not had a single shot on target. Just incredible. They have been second best by a considerable distance this afternoon.
Half-chance for the away side as Bale meets a corner from the right, but Godin is on hand to make the block. Another corner comes from Kroos, but Illarramendi fires high and wide of the crossbar. That has been the story of the afternoon for Real Madrid. It just has not happened for the visitors here.
BOOKING! Mandzukic (Atletico) is booked for handball.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, but neither side is really creating chances of note. Real Madrid's frustration continues as Jese clashes with Moya following another heavy touch.
BOOKING! Jese (Real Madrid) is booked following that altercation.
Coentrao delivers a cross from the left, but once again the danger is cleared as Simeone raises the noise inside the stadium. Real Madrid have been well beaten here there is absolutely no doubt about that.
GOAL! Atletico 4-0 Real Madrid (Mandzukic)
Good grief. Atletico score their fourth of the match as Torres delivers a sensational cross onto the head of Mandzukic, who finds the bottom corner. That is an excellent goal from the home side!
We are into the first of two additional minutes here.
Chance for Atletico to score a fifth, but Torres heads a Siqueira cross over the crossbar!
FULL-TIME: Atletico 4-0 Real Madrid
Quite incredible scenes here as Atletico thump Real Madrid 4-0 at the Calderon. The result has moved Atletico to within four points of the league leaders Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
