Madrid Derby Controlled By VAR Decisions As Real Beat Atletico 3-1

By Joshua Walters

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out a tensed game at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday with the former winning the derby with a 3-1 scoreline. 

The win marked Los Blancos' third in a row, but stealing the headlines of one of the world's acclaimed rivalry matches was the involvement of the VAR in deciding three separate goal decisions in the game

Real Madrid opened the scores in the 15th-minute courtesy Casmeiro's overhead kick from inside the penalty box.

Vinicius Junior found Lucas Vasquez five minutes later, but his shot missed the crossbar, minutes before receiving the first yellow card of the game in the 21st minute. 

Antoine Griezmann cancelled out Casemiro’s goal in the 24th minute after he was put through by Angel Correa, but waited for the referee to consult the VAR before celebrating.

Madrid restored their lead through Sergio Ramos' spot-kick in the 43rd minute, after Jose Gimenez had put Vinicius Junior in the penalty box.

The referee once again had to consult the VAR before giving the spot kick.

Alvaro Morata shot narrowly wide just after recess before setting up Grienzmann outside the box for the Frenchman to also shot a whisker of the right upright. post.

The VAR came into action again as it denied Morata from celebrating what would have been his first goal for Atletico Madrid as it was reversed by the referee for an offside.

Atletico Madrid continued to press for the consolation goal forcing Courtios to palmed away Gimenez shot towards the right top corner over the bar in the 59th minute.

Gareth Bale wrapped up the point and its accompanying bragging rights for the visitors when he came off the bench to score the third goal in the 75th minute after he was set up by Luka Modric, five minutes before Thomas Partey saw the marching off orders after receiving the second yellow card for a harsh tackle on Toni Kross.