Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: 3 Key Battles that will decide the Madrid Derby

#2 Casemiro vs Antoine Griezmann

Will Zidane ask Casemiro to man-mark Antoine Griezmann?

With Costa leading the line for Atletico, Antoine Griezmann will most likely hang back as a support striker. Griezmann will also look to move to the right flank with Marcelo tasked with attacking down Real's left, inevitably leaving space behind him due to Zidane's narrow formation when they attack.

Raphael Varane may be kept busy by Costa's lateral movement too so this is where Casemiro will have the tough task of keeping an eye on Griezmann. When Marcelo is in the attacking half, Casemiro will move into the space vacated and keep Real Madrid's shape at the back intact.

However, Zidane could even deploy him as a midfielder meant to do nothing but man-mark Griezmann; i.e. block the passing channels that feed him or stick to him like glue and hinder any sort of progress he could make with the ball at his feet.

In return, Griezmann will probably look to put pressure on the base of Real's midfield, initiating Atletico's counter-press. Expect a yellow card from Casemiro if this is the case because the Brazilian has been dispossessed 28 times in the league this season and has 7 yellow cards to his name.