Five lessons learned from Atlético 4-0 Real Madrid

After witnessing Club Atlético de Madrid record a famous 4-0 victory over city rivals Real Madrid CF to make it six unbeaten in games between the sides season, UEFA.com's UEFA Champions League match reporter at both capital clubs, Joseph Walker, gives us his verdict.

Simeone has Ancelotti's number
Atlético have four victories and two draws (in two-legged cup ties they were to win) against Real Madrid this season. That is even more remarkable when you consider that between 1999 and 2013 Real Madrid went 14 years without losing to their city rivals. Since joining the club in 2011, Diego Simeone has helped the Rojiblancos shed their 'el Pupas' (the cursed ones) nickname, in addition to helping fill the club's trophy cabinet

The Argentinian coach's tactical tweaks have helped him get the edge over counterpart Carlo Ancelotti, and that was perfectly illustrated by his masterful decision to throw on Saúl Ñíguez, who scored the side's second and set up the third, to replace the injured Koke early on.

Atlético a match for anyone in Europe
After coming so close last season, many questioned whether Atlético Madrid could keep up their imperious home form and go one better; Saturday's performance helped dispel any remaining doubts. After recovering from a 3-2 defeat away to Olympiacos FC on matchday one in this season's UEFA Champions League, Atlético went undefeated in their next five games in the competition, without conceding in the process.

Tiago (left) struck early once again©AFP/Getty Images

This result is bound to send out shockwaves across Europe as they dominated from start to finish, running out deserved 4-0 winners as they recorded a first Liga win at the Vicente Calderón over Real Madrid since 1999.

Tiago the man for the big occasion
Just as when these two sides met in September, it was a Portuguese international who opened the scoring. No, not Cristiano Ronaldo but his compatriot Tiago. The 33-year-old midfielder has been key for Atlético this season, and it was he who got the ball rolling in both games as his side completed a first league double over their neighbours since in 64 years. At the Bernabéu it was a header, while on Saturday it was a powerful drive that squirmed under Iker Casillas in the visitors' goal to start the party.

Sergio Ramos key at the back for Real Madrid
Ramos will forever give Atlético Madrid fans nightmares after scoring a late equaliser in Lisbon, however it was his absence at the other end on Saturday that will give Real Madrid fans nightmares for a long time to come. After picking up a hamstring injury against former club Sevilla FC in midweek, Ramos was forced to sit out the derby, and in his absence the side were made to pay. The unfamiliar pairing of Nacho and Raphaël Varane were put together in the absence of the Spaniard and his usual partner, Pepe, and the rest was history.

Iker Casillas was beaten four times©AFP/Getty Images

The bad news for Ancelotti is that Madrid will also likely be without Ramos for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against FC Schalke 04, however they will be hoping their main man can recover in time for March's second leg, with Pepe nearing a return.

The Liga is wide open
Atlético's victory takes them to within four points of Real Madrid at the top of the Liga, and FC Barcelona would close the gap to one by beating Athletic Club on Sunday evening. Once again the title race is set go down to the wire, and results like Saturday's might well prove pivotal given that ties are broken by head-to head rather than goal difference, meaning Atleti would top Real Madrid if they end level on points.