Real Madrid Slip Up Means Atletico Are The Real Winners Of El Clasico

It was an enthralling contest from start to finish and the reported 400 million people that tuned into the Clasico were not disappointed. But it is Diego Simeone who will be smiling.

Despite Messi getting a hat-trick and breaking Alfredo Di Stefano’s Clasico scoring record, it is the referee who is grabbing the headlines this morning.

The two sides shared seven goals, seven yellow cards, one red card, three penalties and plenty of off-the-ball controversies.

With defeat last night, Ancelotti’s men will complete the season having failed to register a league win over both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid home or away.

Earlier in the day Atletico Madrid has the chance to put themselves top, which they did after beating bottom side Betis 2-0 with goals from Gabi and Diego Costa.

‘Los Rijoblancos’ are now level with Real Madrid on 70 points but edge them out on the head-to-head rule, which means their title challenge is in their own hands.

However, it’s Atletico who have the toughest fixtures remaining out of the three teams chasing the title. They still must visit Bilbao, Valencia and Barcelona on the final day.

But Simeone will have no problem inspiring his players for the run-in, especially with Barcelona as their opponents in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Although the Catalans are finding their fluency once again, I believe that Atletico are favourites over the two legs in the Champions League.

Simeone is a tactical mastermind when it comes to cup competitions and he will no doubt have a plan. 

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