Liga Report: Heroic Real Win Madrid Derby

Ivan Helguera provided the heroics as Real Madrid edged city rivals Atletico 2-1.

The goal did come under some controversy as Raul appeared to have fouled keeper Sergio Aragoneses.

Real opened the scoring in the 5th minute as Santiago Solari hit back at his former club.

Figo nearly doubled Madrid's advantage at the start of the second half, as he was sent in all alone but scuffed his shot wide of the goal.

That miss would prove costly as Atletico equalized in the second half when Pavon brought down Nikolaidis in the area and the ref awarded a penalty.

Pavon picked up his second yellow card for the offence and was sent off.

Veljko Paunovic stepped up and converted the spot kick.

But Real Madrid would not be denied as Ivan Helguera knocked in a corner kick and gave his side a much needed win.

With this result, Real Madrid climbs into first place but Valencia are in action on Sunday. Los Ches now trail Madrid by one point as the title race heats up. Valencia play Real Sociedad on Sunday.