Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: 5 Factors that could decide the outcome of Madrid Derby

#3 Diego Godin's back in the mix: How will he marshal the troops?

The Uruguayan warrior returns to hold his fort at the Wanda: Diego Godin

This is the biggest advantage for Atletico, going into the game, will be the invaluable addition of Diego Godin. They might miss the likes of Koke, Saul, and Diego Costa for the derby, but if you ask me, Los Colchoneros should take one Diego Godin instead of the three injured players. Basically because replacing Godin is a tough task and in the last game, the whole positioning in the defense was topsy-turvy.

Arias started at right-back but he has less experience, Juanfran at left-back but playing out of position, Lucas Hernandez at center-back but again, playing out of position. When Godin comes in, you have that starter at a center-back spot fixed. Godin and Gimenez it is. Then you have the luxury to move Juanfran back to right-back and play Lucas Hernandez on the left.

Godin is also the most influential member of the team. He knows how to command his defenders in the back, he knows when to play a deep defensive line, he knows when to ask his full-backs to advance, he knows it all. It comes from the invaluable experience of playing for the team. That said, he is coming back from an injury. Will he be 100%? Will he feel discomfort during the game? Can he focus on the game fully? It needs to be seen.