#2 Atletico need to play Saul centrally
For the first Madrid derby in a while, Real Madrid were able to control play in the centre of midfield. Their Serbian midfield pairing of Kovacic and Modric – while not the most intimidating players physically, were able to beat the incessant waves of Atleti’s full-court pressing maneuvres.
Their superior skill levels, as well as greater ability to carry the ball in spaces, coupled with the presence of Isco ahead of them to negotiate defenders in tight spaces helped Real take the initiative in these central areas.
Koke and Gabi were unable to stamp their authority on the match, and most of Atletico’s attacks commenced on the left wing, where Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco was engaged in a fascinating duel with Spanish international Dani Carvajal.
Saul is one of Atletico’s best players in terms of skill, but he could have been of greater use in those areas in comparison to the more circumspect Koke, who relies on his ability to release the ball quickly and is a comparatively limited dribbler. With him operating in the spaces between Real’s midfield and defence lines, Atletico would have had the opportunity to create mismatches in central areas.
