MADRID: Real Madrid stepped further forward at the top of the Spanish league after defeating neighbours Atletico in the capital derby in the redeveloping Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

This was Real’s 10th successive victory in all competitions with Brazilian starlet Vinicius Junior again the hero, even though he did not score.

Karim Benzema, who had been a doubt for the game with a leg injury and only played the first 45 minutes, opened the scoring with a first-half volley to a Vinicius assist.

It was the 17th goal of his career against Atletico and 13th of the season to lead the LaLiga scoring chart.

Vinicius provided another assist early in the second half, this time for Marco Asensio as Real extended to 11 their unbeaten streak against their local rivals in LaLiga.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team are eight points clear of second-placed Sevilla and 13 above Atletico in fourth, albeit having played a game more than both.

Asensio said: “To win a derby is very important to our fans and I bet they left the stadium really happy.

“Vinicius is playing really well, we are delighted with his progression this season. He is doing it all, scoring, assisting. We are all happy for him.”

Real were in total control from start to finish with the Santiago Bernabeu crowd chanting “Ole” in unison when there were still 25 minutes to play in the second half. It was their fourth consecutive game without conceding a single goal.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico have not won a Madrid derby in the league since February 2016.

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