LaLiga 2018/19: 3 Key Battles that will decide the Madrid Derby

Real Madrid CF v RCD Espanyol - La Liga
The Bernabeu will play host to an exciting fixture

Real Madrid welcome neighbours Atletico to the Santiago Bernabeu in what should be an intriguing encounter. The Madrid derby is always one of the main fixtures of the LaLiga season and its importance has catapulted in recent years due to the emergence of Atleti.

Both sides were involved in 3-0 games in the week but were on different sides of the coin. Atletico comfortably won against Huesca and they currently sit third in the standings.

Real, on the other hand, were drubbed by Sevilla which cost them the top spot which belongs to Barcelona. They are second only on goal difference, but arguably Atletico is the side who is in form going into the tie.

The defeat in Seville was coach Julen Lopetegui's first defeat, but he is confident going into the tie. Counterpart Diego Simeone has experienced the derby before, and he is not judging his opponents based on their midweek loss.

The Bernabeu will play host to stars like Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann and individuals battles on the pitch will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the game. On that note here are 3 key battles that will decide the Madrid derby:


#3 Sergio Ramos vs Diego Costa

Valencia CF v  Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga
Costa is Simeone's trusted lieutenant

These two are arguably the biggest characters of their respective teams, mostly in a positive light. They don't shy away from the big occasions, and today will be no different.

Ramos is a world-class defender whose defensive work and ball-playing skills are clear for all to see. But he often draws attention for the other side of his game which involves fouling, bookings, and the predictable red card.

Costa is a beast in his own right, and the Spaniard is a nightmare for defenders. He has not exactly lit up the league this season, and he is yet to open his account. But he brings so much to the table that Simeone is sure to pursue with him.

This battle could be a rough one and a fascinating one to watch. Expect some dirty stuff to go on as both these players have the knack of crossing limits. But it's a derby, so the win is all that matters, right?

#2 Gareth Bale vs Lucas Hernandez

Athletic Club v Real Madrid CF - La Liga
Bale has been in great form thus far

Bale looks to have taken the baton from Cristiano Ronaldo and he is unquestionably their main attacking threat. The Welshman has been in scintillating form, scoring four and setting up two more thus far.

Simeone will surely play Hernandez at left-back over Filipe Luis, as the Frenchman will counter Bale's pace more effectively. Hernandez is one of the best young defenders in the world, and his fantastic World Cup attests to that.

His hands will definitely be full against Bale, but the youngster has proved that he can do the job defensively. If he succeeds in doing so, it could help Atletico massively to get a result.

#1 Luka Modric vs Koke

The Best FIFA Football Awards - Show
Modric recently won the prestigious FIFA Best award

If one player can define Simeone's time in Madrid, it has to be Koke. The Spaniard has been the model of consistency over the years, defying limits and performing at an elite level.

He has been an ever-present in the Atletico side, and he will come up against recently crowned Best FIFA Men's Player Luka Modric. The Croatian can turn a game on his head with his midfield mastery and Koke will be assigned to strangulate him.

Modric's passing ability sets the rhythm for Real Madrid and containing him will help Atleti massively. On the other hand, Koke has a knack of making runs into the box and Modric will be wary of the same. This midfield battle will definitely impact the outcome of the game.

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Edited by Debjyoti Samanta