A first-half penalty by Yannick Carrasco earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory in a fiery Derby clash against champions Real Madrid on Sunday, as the hosts tightened their grip on a place in next season’s Champions League.

Diego Simeone’s side remain fourth in the standings on 64 points, six clear of Real Betis in fifth, and with three games left to play they edged closer to a top-four finish, to qualify for Europe’s top club competition.

“Everyone will compete to reach the goal, but it is a strong and decisive step,” Simeone told Movistar. “It’s a game of strength and whoever doesn’t have it has to lose.”

Atletico came out pressing high as Angel Correa and Carrasco had two great chances to open the scoring within the first ten minutes.

Carrasco put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute, after the referee changed his initial decision and a penalty was awarded to Atletico following a VAR review for a foul on Matheus Cunha.

The midfielder calmly lashed the ball past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, as the 23-year-old Ukrainian made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid almost four years after he had signed for the club.

Haaland deal soon

Borussia Dortmund top striker Erling Haaland is close to sealing a transfer deal with Manchester City, German media reported on Monday.

Haaland is among the hottest transfer prospects this summer with the Norwegian 21-year-old having scored 61 goals in 66 league games for the Ruhr valley club since joining them in early 2020.

Several top clubs, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain and City, have been linked with the player at times.

Sky Germany reported on Monday the player had informed the club of his wish to leave and that City had contacted the club over the player’s release clause. (Reuters)