Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: 5 factors that could decide the Madrid derby

It will be another tight encounter between the two rivalsLa Liga’s game of the weekend is undoubtedly the Madrid derby. The Santiago Bernabeu is the stage for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to do battle once more in a fixture that has generally favoured the Rojiblancos since their Copa Del Rey final win in 2013 at this very stadium.No wins for Diego Simeone’s side this century before that faithful night puts in perspective the power shift in Spain’s biggest fixture outside of El Clasico. The visitors might well be considered slight favourites again.Let’s take a look at five factors that could decide the outcome of this fixture:

#1 No Bale, Benzema and Pepe?

Going into this game Real have been hit by something of a mini-injury crisis. Gareth Bale just can’t seem to get over his semi-long-term issue that is threatening to derail his season, and potentially Wales’ bid for a reasonable Euro 2016 finish.

Karim Benzema could possibly make this game but the question that Zinedine Zidane needs to ask himself is how important is the centre-forward to Real’s aspirations for the remainder of the season?

Rush him back now and it might cause problems at the business end. A slightly slower recovery has added benefits for both player and team so the reality is that it shouldn’t really be a conundrum at all.

Pepe’s omission will be covered by Raphael Varane but the Frenchman hasn’t always had the best time of it against Antoine Griezmann et al. Clearly missing three of your normal starting XI hands the advantage directly to the opponent.

#2 Atletico\'s run against Real

Atletico Madrid — Can Atletico keep their unbeaten streak going?

It really is worth spending a little bit more time chewing the fat on just why Real haven’t been anywhere near the force of old in this fixture since 2013.

Yes, they won the 2014 Champions League Final but let’s be clear. They were outplayed for long periods and only a Sergio Ramos header in injury time managed to spare their blushes. The eventual 4-1 scoreline heavily flattered Los Blancos.

Diego Simeone likes his Atleti teams to play with intensity and high pressure at all times. Given that Real are used to having time on the ball to see and then pick a pass, arguably the all-whites are never fully prepared for the barrage.

Their only wins since the Copa Del Rey maiden victory have also come in cup competitions. In La Liga, Atletico are now unbeaten in 5 encounters between the pair, winning three. If they retain the advantage on Saturday then Real can kiss any lingering hopes of the title goodbye.

#3 Warrior Godin

Every team has its hero. The player whom the manager relies upon, the supporters worship and teammates admire.

John Terry would be a great example at Chelsea. Carles Puyol at Barcelona. And Steven Gerrard at Liverpool. Step forward Diego Godin. The Uruguayan is absolutely everything you want from your central defender and captain.

A leader on and off the pitch, he is Simeone’s eyes and ears. He is the transmitter of instructions. A real old-school warrior who loves nothing better than riding into battle against the most fearsome of opponents, the Uruguayan is just the type of colleague you want alongside you putting in a shift in the trenches.

Although he’s been on the end of some sneaky rabbit-punching from Cristiano Ronaldo on the last few occasions the teams have crossed swords, to his credit Godin has never risen to the bait. He’ll provide some excellent attacking support when needed, to complement the full range of his defensive attributes and remains an example to all.

#4 Ronaldo still a big game player?

Cristiano Ronaldo really doesn’t like it if reporters state the obvious and it happens to be to the Portuguese’s detriment. Nothing wrong with having a huge ego of course. Ronaldo is one of very few players that can back up the strutting peacock persona.

However, one must be able to handle constructive criticism as well as take the plaudits when offered.

On a number of occasions this season, it’s been entirely noticeable that in the “bigger” games, Ronaldo hasn’t turned up. Take El Clasico for example. Not interested. There have been others where he has played better but hasn’t been at anywhere close to his best.

Indeed, the vast majority of his goals this season have come against teams that, with respect, aren’t the glamour sides of La Liga or the Champions League. It would therefore, be a fair assumption to question just how effective he remains when the going gets tough. And like it or not, Ronaldo can’t deny the facts.

#5 Zidane\'s managerial record

Zinedine Zidane — Can Zidane get a win over Atletico?

Perception is everything in football. Looking at Real Madrid’s situation in general terms, you’d think that they had done so much better since the sacking of Rafael Benitez.

Dig a little deeper however, and the truth is quite surprising.

Rafa’s first eight games in charge saw six wins and two draws, scoring 19 goals. Zinedine Zidane has six wins and two draws from his first eight games with 20 goals scored. A single goal better off! What’s worse is that Los Blancos are now four points worse off to Barcelona since the Frenchman took charge.

A figurehead of the club and a legend he may be, but Zidane is no tactician or coach. There were even rumblings when he was in charge of Real Madrid Castilla that it was the other members of the technical team that were running the show.

Another manager hung out to dry by Florentino Perez. Only a matter of time before the next one is lined up.