Cristiano Ronaldo has given his team a slender half-time lead in a fiercely competitive Madrid derby at the Bernabeu.

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Atletico started the better of the two sides but the visitors struggled to create any clear opportunities as regular fouls disrupted the flow of play in the Spanish capital.

However, a moment of brilliance from Ronaldo saw the deadlock broken as the Portuguese winger smashed home a free-kick from 25 yards to leave Thibaut Courtois grasping at thin air.

The hosts took control of contest following the opening goal but the game continued to be dominated by persistent fouling from both sides.

Ronaldo tried his luck from distance once again when the Atletico defence lost concentration before the break but his dipping shot was well kept out by Courtois.