Since their 1-0 defeat against Getafe earlier this month, Real Madrid extended their winning streak to five games now as they edged past Atletico Madrid in a thrilling Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernanbeu.

Atleti drew first blood on the night as Ademola Lookman scored from what looked like a defensive lapse from Los Blancos' point of view as Andriy Lunin failed to get hands on the shot from point blank range.

The hosts pulled one back in the 52nd minute of the game as Real were awarded a spot-kick, which Vinicius Junior calmly converted, sending Juan Musso the wrong way. Fede Valverde was quick to pounce on Atleti's mistake at the back and gave Merengues the lead in the 55th minute. However, the one-goal advantage was cut short just after 10 minutes as Nahuel Molina scored a screamer from outside the box to bring Atleti back into the game.

Then came a trademark Vini Junior curler, which brought the Whites back into the driving seat, but Valverde's controversial red card in the 77th minute meant that Los Blancos now had to defend their slender lead till the full-time whistle, as the defenders turned up with their best performances right when their team needed most.

Both centre-backs, Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen, were absolutely at their best. Huijsen's post-match interview (h/t Managing Madrid) was a reflection of his confidence during the game as the young Spaniard talked about the morale of the squad, saying, "We’re a new team, we’ve signed a couple of new players, myself included, and we’ve changed coaches. I think the adaptation is normal, and well, of course, they demand a lot from us, and that’s fair because we’re the best club in the world and the best team, and I think we’re now performing at that level and developing that chemistry."

"Is Real Madrid back? Well, I think it never really left, that’s what I’m saying. We had a lot of changes and we have to adapt. We work every day for that."

The 20-year-old also talked about the club's current aspirations saying, "We’re going to give it our all and of course we want to win everything, hopefully it will be a special season."

Huijsen was not only brilliant while defending the threatening Atleti attacks but he was also brilliant with his ball distribution form the back which is seemingly one of his strongest attributes as a centre back.

Real Madrid's winning mentality in times of crisis has been one of the major reasons for the club's success over the years, as it has been evident that players with nerves of steel have been able to survive at the Bernabeu and leave their mark on the legendary club. 

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