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Result: Diego Costa strike enough for Atletico Madrid to win derby

Diego Costa's early goal proves enough for Atletico Madrid to beat Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid have defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu to maintain their perfect record in La Liga.

The only goal in the Madrid derby came after just 11 minutes when Diego Costa collected Koke's pass and slotted it past Diego Lopez from inside the hosts' penalty box.

Real recovered from their shock to create their first meaningful chance in the 25th minute when Karim Benzema forced Thibaut Courtois into a save with a close-range header.

Benzema wasted another good chance on the half-hour mark when he headed Angel di Maria's cross wide, before Tiago failed to keep his header on target for Atletico.

Angel Di Maria of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Koke of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 28, 2013© Getty Images

Costa was denied by Lopez on the stroke of half time, just moments before Cristiano Ronaldo planted his header over the crossbar after meeting Di Maria's cross.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti sent on Gareth Bale and Luka Modric at the start of the second half, but it was the visitors to whom the first chance after the restart fell.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF sits on the bench as he speaks with team-mate Luka Modric prior to start the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 28, 2013© Getty Images

Once again it was Costa who found himself in a good position after being released by David Villa, but Lopez made yet another good save.

Bale earned Los Blancos a free kick just moments later, but Ronaldo blasted it high and wide.

The home side were given another lifeline to earn a point from the contest when Koke's curling effort eight minutes from time came back off the crossbar.

However, despite Real's pressure in the final minutes that included an Alvaro Morata volley being denied by Courtois, Atletico held on for all three points.

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Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Almeria on September 14, 2013
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CAtletico MadridAtletico38268467254286
2Real Madrid38259467283984
3Barcelona38247785384779
4Sevilla38245953332077
5Real Sociedad3817111059382162
6Real Betis381710115050061
7Villarreal3815131060441658
8Celta Vigo381411135557-253
9Granada38137184765-1846
10Athletic Bilbao381113144642446
11Osasuna381111163748-1144
12CadizCadiz381111163658-2244
13Valencia381013155053-343
14Levante38914154657-1141
15Getafe38911182843-1538
16AlavesAlaves38911183657-2138
17ElcheElche38812183455-2136
RHuesca38713183453-1934
RReal Valladolid38516173457-2331
REibarEibar38612202952-2330

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