Talk about exorcising your demons.

Real Madrid did just that by taking a cathartic 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the crucial second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

Atletico had gone undefeated against its crosstown rivals in the previous seven matches of the derby dating back to the Champions League final which Madrid won 4-1 thanks a last second tying goal by Sergio Ramos.

But more importantly, for Real Madrid this means that the hopes of a Champions league title run remaining intact and very much alive. Here are the biggest take-aways from Los Blancos' huge win.

Chicarito to the rescue

The Mexican striker came to Madrid to be a second option behind Karim Benzema. Instead he found himself as a bench warmer without any hopes of playing.

But a Benzema injury has allowed the Mexican to show his worth and he came up with arguably the biggest goal of his career on Wednesday with the seconds winding down.

But the goal was not just luck from Javier Hernandez, who was excellent throughout the game. He had seven shots on goal, two on target, and created a plethora of chances to put the ball away.

It was an effort that deserved a goal to commemorate it. But he got more than just a goal; he scored THE goal.

Ronaldo plays the part

Many have noted that when push comes to shove, Ronaldo disappears in big games. And to some extent that has been true, though he also knows how to score in the big ones.

He did not score on Wednesday but he provided a key assist on a brilliant passing sequence with James Rodriguez. Ronaldo was actually in a brilliant shooting position but he had the presence of mind to see that he had a goal and three defenders surrounding him. So what does he do? He makes them all commit and then dishes it off to a wide open Chicharito who had an open net to fire at.

Aside from that, Ronaldo was unlucky not to score beforehand. He had three shots on target of his six and only great saves from Jan Oblak stopped him from adding to his Champions League account.

James Rodriguez the midfield genius

Real Madrid will miss Luka Modric. There can be no doubt of that.

But when James Rodriguez plays the way he has since his return from injury, the loss will be felt slightly less. James was everywhere for Madrid and created one chance after another to jaw-dropping effect. Shots on goal? Two. Long balls? Three. Through balls? Two.

His brilliance helped create the goal and his defensive awareness made him a threat all around the pitch.

Carlo Ancelotti's Rabbit

Without Modric, many expected Asier Illarramendi to start in the midfield and provide coverage for the attackers. Instead, Ancelotti gambled on Sergio Ramos in the midfield with Pepe and Raphael Varane on defense.

This is not a new tactic for Ancelotti. He tried it in the fall 2013 Clasico and wound up losing 2-1. Ramos was out of position that entire game and picked up a card, forcing Ancelotti to sub out his most effective defender after halftime.

But this time, and certainly with some help from Fernando Hierro, Ancelotti pulled off the feat. And it worked brilliantly.

First off, having Ramos and Pepe on the field neutralizes Atletico's more aggressive game. Those players know how to deal with it and can battle right back.

But it also allows the team to keep Varane on the pitch and he is arguably the most polished defender on the club.

It also adds height in the middle of the pitch, something that would help neutralize Atletico's aerial advantage.

And finally it gives the team more aerial threats in the penalty area. With all due respect to Illarra, but he does not scare anyone on a corner kick.

Ramos did his job exceedingly well and helped the team pressure Atletico Madrid into errors in their own zone.