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Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid fought to a 0-0 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano. This was an important result as an unpredictable start to the La Liga season has many questioning which team really has the power to solidify themselves as the title favourites.
For large spells of the game, it seemed that both teams just didn't want to lose as a draw wouldn't harm either team. However, that changed when Zidane did make forward-thinking substitutions in the second half that included bringing on Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, and Luka Jovic. This would suggest that the Frenchman was making a late push to steal the game.
While the game itself wasn't the most entertaining, there were a few key takeaways to analyze from the Madrid derby. Let us have a look at the same.
#1 Thomas Partey is the real deal
Atleti fans know how good Partey is but for the neutral fan who happened to catch this game, they learned that the Ghanian bossed the midfield. It was a true man of the match performance from a player that is coming into his own this season.
On offence, Partey possesses the ability to weave past players and create space for himself through his skill and strength. It’s not easy to bully him on the ball as his big frame comes to his advantage when battling with opposition midfielders.
Partey most notably sets up Joao Felix with a shot from outside of the box with a quick one-two pass with Costa followed up by the slightest touch to free up space for Felix who shot it wide. Minutes later, it was Partey’s brilliant long ball to free up Kieran Trippier on the right flank, which led to a low cross in the danger zone that is stopped by Courtois.
Partey is great in the attacking phase of the game with his close control and his range of passing but what makes him pretty remarkable is his ability to balance that out with a great defensive IQ, which is what Simeone looks for in his central midfielders.
On top of his four dribbles and one key pass, Partey also completed three tackles and one interception which highlighted his overall play and versatility.
#2 Jan Oblak is easily one of the top 3 goalkeepers in the world
I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole talking about FIFA’s awards which are becoming popularity contests with every passing year. However, Jan Oblak got the fifth place for the Best Goalkeeper Award but if it wasn’t for him, we could be talking about a Real Madrid victory at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Real Madrid’s two best chances of the game forced two wonderful saves from the Slovenian. The first one came in the 40th minute from a Toni Kroos curler from outside of the box which forced a full-extension save from Oblak for a Real Madrid corner.
The second chance was the Benzema header which was denied in outstanding fashion as Oblak’s quick reflexes were on full display. Oblak continues to show his importance to the team and sooner rather than later, he will receive the plaudits he deserves.
#3 Real Madrid’s attack is struggling
It was an off day from Real Madrid’s front three. Eden Hazard had a game to forget as he didn’t impact the game at all which forced Zidane to sub him off for James Rodriguez, late in the second half. Hazard looks a bit sluggish and is still adjusting to playing in a new environment in a new league with different teammates.
Unfortunately for him, it’s only a matter of time before Los Blancos faithful’s patience begins to run thin. Hazard was brought in to be Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement, even taking the legendary Portuguese’s No.7 shirt. Hazard isn’t a like for like replacement of course, but his big reputation and the Galactico feeling around the signing will force people to expect big-game performances regularly from him.
Bale and Benzema were no different on the day with the front three combining for just one shot on target and two dribbles. It was almost as if Real Madrid were playing without a striker for large portions of the game as Benzema dropped very deep and often found himself wide. As Los Blancos’ chief goalscorer, more is expected from the Frenchman especially after his hot start in the league with five goals so far in the campaign.
