On Saturday, the first Madrid derby of the season will take place as league leaders Real Madrid face off against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico are one point behind their neighbours after winning four, drawing one and losing one so far in the league.
Real Madrid comfortably defeated Osasuna mid-week, while Atletico also won against Mallorca to keep up with their arch-rivals. The last time these two sides met, Real Madrid defeated Atletico 3-1 in the league.
Ahead of the match, let’s take a look at 5 players to watch out for in the Madrid derby.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been in good form so far this season, top of the goalscoring charts in La Liga this season with 5 goals. The Frenchman has played 5 of the 6 La Liga games this season, missing only the mid-week tie for the Spanish giants.
Benzema could be a thorn in the side of Atletico Madrid on Saturday with his movement and finishing.
From one experienced striker to another who’s on the opposite end of his career – Joao Felix has taken to Spanish football very quickly since his big-money move from Benfica. The 19-year-old has scored two and made one assist so far in La Liga.
Felix could be a huge threat to the Madrid backline, which has looked shaky lately, and the teenager’s pace and dribbling ability will be a cause for concern for Sergio Ramos and co.
Casemiro is perhaps one of the unsung heroes of this Real Madrid side over the last few seasons. The Brazilian will be very important for his team when they face off against their neighbours as his defensive stability as well as his energy will be vital for his team.
The 27-year-old has scored once and registered one assist, while he has also averaged 2.8 tackles and 2.7 interceptions per game this season.
From one midfielder to another, Koke is also vitally important for the Atletico Madrid side with his energy and passing ability from the right side or central midfield position.
The Spaniard is a good passer and can also drop deep and help his defence. He will perhaps have to keep Vinícius Júnior quiet on the Real Madrid left side, if the teenager does start the match.
Gareth Bale has had a whirlwind few months at Madrid. From being unwanted by manager Zinedine Zidane to becoming a key attacking player for Real Madrid, Bale has changed his manager’s opinion about him in a span of a few games.
In his four games for Madrid this season, Bale has scored twice and made one assist, and could be key for Madrid when he links up with Benzema.
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