Very few matches in the game of football can be termed greater than the Madrid derby, when cross-town rivals Real and Atletico lock horns. The two Spanish sides, who have been putting teams to swords with their performances in the season thus far, are set to meet in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
It will be a battle between two great sides and between two managers who are looking to create history with their respective units.
While the focus remains on the cumulative abilities of the teams, some players remain more crucial to their respective sides and in this segment, we take a look at 5 players who will largely determine the course of the tie.
#5 Casemiro
While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, and Luka Modric continue to garner the limelight, owing to their contributions to the attack of this Real Madrid side, Casemiro has been termed as the foundation for the club’s success by man pundits of the game.
The Brazilian has been in a fine form thus far and will be hoping to dish out another master class when his side take on their cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid. It is perhaps his ability to break play with a mix of tackles, interceptions and block that has provided the requisite cover for the side’s defence.
His industry in the middle of the park has set free other resources in the team to concentrate on their attacking duties.
The fact that his side are currently plagued by injuries to critical players in the form of Pepe and Rafael Varane, Casemiro’s role in the side has become even more crucial in the games to come.
In Gabi and Saul Niguez, he has opponents who have shown their ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck and help their side dominate it and it’s a battle the combative Casemiro will relish.
#4 Diego Godin
Ever since moving to Atletico Madrid from Villarreal, such have been Godin’s performances that he has been linked with several other clubs. He has held the side’s defence together and the Uruguayan will be keen to help his side reach yet another final with a stellar performance against Real Madrid.
He has raked in impressive numbers in the current season and particularly, the Champions League. He averages 9 defensive actions per game and is often seen cutting down space and time available to the opposition attackers.
The defender’s pedigree going into duels on the ground as well as his prowess in the air has made him a frustrating presence for attackers across Europe. Throw in his abilities to build up play from back and Godin can be considered amongst the most complete centre-backs in the sport at the moment.
However, when it comes to games against Real Madrid, there is no easy way out and the 31-year-old, who is now a veteran of several El Derbi Madrilèno games, will know he has a battle on his hands. Godin will need to be in the best of form to stop the Real Juggernaut.
#3 Sergio Ramos
If there is one man who has been a constant thorn in the flesh of Atletico Madrid, it is Sergio Ramos. He scored the last two times these sides met in the UEFA Champions League, both in the final.
While his ability to contribute in attacking department has made him a hero at the club, his defensive contributions cannot be overlooked. The leader of Los Blancos defence, he has been fearless, sometimes even reckless going into battles and will be critical to the success of his side.
The likes of Griezmann and Torres possess the ability to make even the best of defenders suffer on their day, but Ramos is an experienced head who has the ability to keep in check the best in the business and will be relishing the opportunity to prove his mettle once again.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
The man, whose name has been engraved in golden letters in the annals of the game has a mighty task on his hand when he takes the field against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The Portuguese international became the first player ever to score 100 goals in the UEFA Champions League with a hat-trick against Bayern Munich and will be keen to add to the numbers against Atletico Madrid.
After having scored in the first two games of his side’s current UCL campaign, Ronaldo seemed to have gone off the boil as he failed to score in the next 8 games.
However, the man who seems to be getting better with every passing season, in the process breaking many records, made a brilliant personal come back with 5 goals, which included a hat-trick against the Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.
Ronaldo might have been frustrated in previous games against Atletico but the competitive spirit in him will not give up on the opportunity to put in a tie winning performance against Diego Simeone’s side.
He goes into the game with 9 goals and 3 assists in the last 10 games and Real Madrid faithful worldwide will be pinning their hopes on the man who has carried them ever since he moved to the Spanish shores from Manchester United.
Also Read: Ronaldo v Griezmann and a clash of styles - the Champions League Madrid derby in Opta numbers
#1 Antoine Griezmann
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have primarily been identified as a side that relies heavily on its defensive discipline. However, the presence of a prolific forward is a pre-requisite for success even for the sturdiest of defences and in Antoine Griezmann, the side has one of the best in the business at the moment.
The French international, who lit up the Euro 2016 with his brilliant performances in front of the goal, has carried his form into the current season. He has scored 25 goals across all competitions and assisted another nine.
Griezmann does not need too much space and time on the ball to make things happen for his side and his countryman Zidane Zidane will be aware of his threat.
Griezmann, on the other hand, will be on a mission to put the demons of the last season behind him. With Real shipping goals themselves, do not be surprised if you get to see the hotline bling celebration in the tie.
Also Read: Official: Two Real Madrid superstars out from Atletico Madrid clash
