Real suffer heaviest 4-0 defeat in over four years as Atletico close gap against La Liga leaders

Atletico Madrid proved to be too tough an opponent for La Liga leaders Real Madrid as they suffered their heaviest defeat in over four years, as the reigning champions overpowered them in a sparkling derby.

Injury-hit Real were forced to name a makeshift defence for the short trip to the Vicente Calderon and were easily exposed by Atletico's ruthless attack, as they were beaten 4-0.

Quick-fire goals from Tiago and Saul Niguez, within four minutes of each other, put Atletico in command at the break, before second-half strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic sealed Real's worst loss since a 5-0 mauling by archrivals Barcelona in November 2010, the BBC reported.

Atletico's players jubilantly celebrated with their supporters at the final whistle after extending their unbeaten run against Real to a sixth game.

The win also retained Atletico's hopes of retaining the La Liga title, as they moved level with second-placed Barcelona, where as the defeat would have seen the reigning champions fall 10-points adrift of Real.

Real still hold a four-point advantage over the pair, although Barca can cut that gap when they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, the report added.