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Atletico Madrid will host Real Madrid in the LaLiga tonight in another epic fixture in world football. Only two points separate the arch-rivals in the league and there is no doubt that both these team will want to win. Real Madrid are 3rd in the LaLiga table with 42 points in 22 games, eight points behind league leaders Barcelona whereas Atletico are 2nd with 44 points.
The 'El Derbi Madrileño' is one of the toughest match-ups in the world football with immense historical significance and a victory for either of the two arch-rivals will be a source of huge privilege. The fixture is of huge significance in Spain and it had no short of entertainment over the years- from late twists to fights and drama.
The first face-off between the two teams was back in September at the Bernabéu was a very pedestrian 0-0 draw. A win for Los Blancos will put them 2nd on the table, ahead of Atletico Madrid and Atletico will be desperate to prevent that from happening.
Without further ado, let us quickly take a look at three players who can take the center stage and change the tie within a blink of an eye.
#3 Saúl Ñíguez
With just one goal and one assist in the LaLiga, Saul may seem like less threatening than other players, but that's not the case. Versatile and effective, Saul's presence in the midfield gives Atletico Madrid the edge to channel their attacks and turn their defensive moves into counter attacks within a blink of an eye.
Moreover, the world is familiar with Saul's shooting ability as his shooting prowess enables him to score from distance. He scored a goal when Real Madrid faced Atletico in the UEFA Super Cup at the start of 2018/19 season and Real Madrid players will be extra cautious not to give the Spaniard an inch of space in their own half.
Saul is no newcomer and he has dominated the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the midfield in previous derbies. Los Blancos players will be wary of the threat Saul possess in the midfield.
#2 Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is the most in-form player for Los Blancos right now. It is no wonder that his brilliance coincided with Real Madrid's recent good run of form. He has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far and provided a vital assist to Lucas Vasquez against Barcelona in Real Madrid's latest fixture.
Benzema's ability to find space while dropping deep and linking up with his partners-in-crime in the final third is one of his most underrated traits. He can lose his marker, make space and pick out his teammates with pinpoint passes and it is crystal clear that he can trouble any defense in the world with his caliber.
Benzema's superb goalscoring run in this season will be a major cause of concern for Atletico Madrid. He has only managed to score 4 goals and 4 assists against Atletico Madrid and the Frenchman will be desperate to change that. Even without his goal scoring, he can dismantle defenses at will which he depicted with his sensational run against Atletico not so long ago.
#1 Antoine Griezmann
Arguably, the most dangerous threat to Los Blancos' rearguard will be Antoine Griezmann. He is the leader of Atletico Madrid's attack and Real Madrid will be wary of threat Griezmann possess in the final third.
The Frenchman has scored 10 goals and provided 7 assist in the LaLiga. In just 6 Champions League fixtures, he has scored 4 goals and racked up 2assists, also bragging of 3 Man of the Match awards in the process.
Griezmann has a knack of troubling Real Madrid's defense as his 7 goals against Los Blancos depicts. Sergio Ramos and co. are familiar with the Frenchman's abilities and will look to contain the striker as much as they can.
There is no doubt that he is the most influential attacker in Atletico Madrid's defensive set up, who can change the tie with not only goals but with an effective range of passing in the opponent's half.
