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

#2 Will Solari end his adamancy?

Isco can add much-needed creativity to break down the defense but he would most likely have to do it from the bench.

Now, is Santiago Solari adamant? He has got Real Madrid back on track. He has them playing wonderfully, he has not hesitated to try Castilla players, he surely cannot be adamant, can he? Well, the Real Madrid coach is really adamant when it comes to one player, Isco Alarcon. He doesn't seem to start Isco, ever.

From the most dangerous of oppositions to the easiest of oppositions, Isco has had the privilege of watching them from the bench. Is it really his fault? He hasn't been on the pitch for even 150 minutes combined since Solari took charge. That may be a bit of exaggeration but still, he has surely not played 90 minutes even once. Against Sevilla, Real Madrid found out what a stubborn opponent looks like. There was point-blank no creativity to break the lines.

Madrid was lucky to take the lead due to Casemiro's stunner and that too late in the game. It doesn't happen every time and surely won't happen against Oblak. From that long-range, if you are banking on beating Oblak rather than break down the lines and get a close-range strike, you be my guest.

Sevilla are nothing compared to Atletico, who are the most frustrating team to play against in LaLiga. We found that out when they faced Barcelona. They close their defenses down and they hit you at counters and set-pieces.

If Solari doesn't start Isco here, then he should leave the club for good. There won't be any other match this high-profile, with this much need for creativity, and also where squad rotations are a necessity. Isco starting means Real Madrid would have a creative player in their ranks to try and unlock the defense. It would also mean that their usual starters can have a good rest before the game against Ajax.