It was a typical opportunistic finish from Javier Hernandez. The Mexican's scuffed strike from close range slotted past two rival defenders and into an empty net. It won't win any awards, but it was enough to settle an extremely tense derby duel, save Real Madrid's stuttering season and probably Carlo Ancelotti's job as well.
Madrid came into this match having failed to beat Atleti in any of the last seven derbies disputed in 2014-15. They were depleted too as Marcelo missed out through suspension and injuries left Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema sidelined.
Without a like-for-like replacement for Benzema, Ancelotti was down to the bare bones and Chicharito, who has spent most of the season on the Bernabeu bench, was given a rare opportunity to show what he can do in place of the absent France forward.
"He can't fail," former Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez said before this game. "If the midfield works, he will have a chance and he must take it."
And he did, albeit after missing several other opportunities. Unlike the more technical but languid figure of Benzema (who, incidentally, has scored only once in 15 appearances against Simeone's side), Chicharito was everywhere in this one, making himself a nuisance throughout.
The Mexican had given glimpses of his worth against Malaga at the Bernabeu on Saturday, setting up a goal for Cristiano Ronaldo and running tirelessly to cause problems for the visitors.
