BARCELONA, Spain (AP):

Real Madrid beat city rivals Atlético Madrid 2-0 to tighten the Spanish league title race yesterday, dealing the leader their first loss in the competition in 10 months.

Casemiro opened the scoring for Zinedine Zidane’s team in the 15th minute. A long strike by Dani Carvajal, that ricocheted off the post and the back of goalkeeper Jan Oblak before going in, sealed the victory midway through the second half.

Atlético entered the match at Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium with the chance to damage Madrid’s title defense. Instead, Madrid were able to move to within three points of Atlético, climbing into third place with one of their most complete performances this campaign.

Atlético still have a game in hand, but the loss also gives second-place Real Sociedad the opportunity to move ahead when they hosts Eibar today.

Atlético had not lost in 26 straight league matches, dating back to February 1 when they fell 1-0 at Madrid.

Atlético had only conceded two goals in the entire 10 league matches they had played this season. They had won seven straight.

But despite its irregular season with unexpected losses to smaller rivals, Madrid were up to the challenge against another high-profile opponent.