Karanka: Real have strong character by nature

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka praised the character of the team after the 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid. Real ensured Atletico's run without a win in the capital derby will stretch into its 14th year with a comfortable victory at the Bernabeu. A wonderful free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo lit up what was an otherwise disappointing first half, before Mesut Ozil secured all three points with a tidy finish 25 minutes from time. Despite the defeat, second-placed Atletico remained ahead of their neighbours in the standings but slipped six points behind Barcelona, with Real a further five points behind. But Karanka believes Los Merengues had dominated the game and were not troubled by their opponents. He told Real's official website: "We controlled the match more because we scored first to make it 1-0. We didn't have too many problems at the back and they didn't create chances. "At half-time we talked about playing the same way and the team started off in much the same vein, by creating chances. It was a hard-fought game, but we were in control at all times." Karanka had expected Atletico to prove tougher adversaries because of their good start to the season. "It was a hard match in the sense that they have been playing well and with a lot of confidence. Everyone thought this was going to be the year that they could beat us, but the team has showed character. "In the first half we controlled the game and in the second we created chances. Wins always strengthen the group, but a team like Real Madrid have strong character by nature. For us it was just another match given the points difference." From : Fifa