The "Little Pea'' settles bitter champions league Madrid derby

The Real Madrid team bus greeted by thousands of supporters outside the ground ahead of kick-off in the European tie

Fans show their support for the Real Madrid squad as they arrived at the Bernabeu for the UCL match with rivals Atletico

Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti embrace amid the Madrid derby as both teams went head to head at the Bernabeu

 

In the end it took a Mexican to end this utterly absorbing stand-off, the irrepressible, if rather unimpressive, Javier Hernandez scoring the goal that ended almost 180 minutes of deadlock between these fierce city rivals.

Only here on loan from Manchester United for a season, it was a goal that means Hernandez will be adored at the Santiago Bernabeu long after he has gone.

Chicharito scores the only goal of the two legs in the Champions League quarter-final between the Madrid neighbours

 

Hernandez celebrates as he became the hero for Real Madrid late on during the Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg

 

Cristiano Ronaldo joins in with the celebrations at the Bernabeu as Hernandez sneaked the winner against their rivals

 

But it was also a reward for ambition over the more conservative approach of Diego Simeone and his well-drilled side; for the team that enjoyed twice as much of the ball and the better of the chances that were created in this tense, niggly Champions League quarter-final tie. 

It was hard to see what Atletico were trying to achieve at times. A victory on penalties perhaps. But when Arda Turan was dismissed in the 75th minute for what looked like a harsh second yellow card for a challenge on the all-too theatrical Sergio Ramos, an opportunity suddenly presented itself to Real.

Ronaldo reflects after a missed chance during the Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid tie in the Champions League quarter-final second leg

A frustrated figure until Atletico were reduced to 10 men, Cristiano Ronaldo made a jinking, purposeful run into the penalty area before executing the all-important pass. Hernandez had missed his earlier chances. One of them a clear cut opening thanks to a wonderful reverse-pass from Isco. But this time he delivered, the Little Pea scoring arguably the biggest goal of his career with a sweeping effort from 12 yards.

Arda Turan is sent off by German referee Felix Brych in the 76th minute as Atletico were forced to play with 10 men

Turan receives a pat on the back of the head by Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao after the Turkey international was sent off

 

In the starting line-up only because of an injury to Karem Benzema, Hernandez performed much as he has all season here. Committed and energetic but just lacking the class of his temporary club-mates.

But with this contest only two minutes from moving into extra-time, goalless if far from gutless, Hernandez made no mistake when it mattered most.

 

 

 Real Madrid striker Hernandez had been having a frustrating evening for Real Madrid up until his goal in the 88th minute

 Hernandez couldn't quite believe how he missed his chance to give Real Madrid the all-important lead at the Bernabeu before his goal.

Ancelotti seems to beat Atletico when it matters most. In last year’s Champions League final. Here on Wednesday night. Seven times already this season these two teams had met and seven times Real had failed to conquer their less glamorous neighbours. But there is a reason why Ancelotti is the only living manager to have lifted the European Cup on three occasions, and today he is a significant step closer to winning the greatest club competition of all for an unprecedented fourth time.

But this was extra special. This was a Madrid derby with a difference and the deafening roar that greeted the end of the Champions League anthem said as much. You could barely hear yourself think never mind what the person sat next to you was saying, and it was no different when Turan was dismissed and when Hernandez then struck the decisive blow.

For Ancelotti it must have come as something of a relief after the tactical juggling he had to perform in the absence of key personnel.

As well as Benzema, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Marcello were also missing and the decision to deploy Ramos in midfield caused some concern here. After all, only once before had the Italian tried it and after losing 2-1 to Barcelona he admitted to making a mistake. Afterwards he laughed about it too, joking that attempts to kill him last time had proved unsuccessful so he felt safe doing it again.

This game quickly followed a familiar theme, with Real pressing deep in the half of the well-drilled Atletico.

Simeone, simmering and animated on the sidelines, applauded his players for the naughty challenges as well as the good ones, seemingly happy to see his side play so negatively. 

But the chances would come for Real, with Ronaldo forcing a fine save from the impressive Jan Oblak just before the break and Hernandez failing to capitalise on that delightful ball from Isco just after the restart.

Cristiano Ronaldo rises to get his head to the ball above Atletico Madrid's Miranda (centre) and Diego Godin (left) during the tie

 

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak had looked dominant between the sticks for the visitors as he fought for a cleansheet

 

Only when Turan was dismissed did the breakthrough come, however, Ronaldo and Hernandez exploiting the slight tactical change Simeone had been forced to make as a result of the red card.

Atletico’s manager said he had no regrets. ‘I am proud of my players,’ he said. ‘But congratulations to our rivals, who played a good game and scored a beautiful goal.’

Which it was. A triumph for the beautiful game too.