Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Atletico

Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, and here are five players who must stand out in order for Los Blancos to win El Derbi.

After defeating Real Valladolid last week and watching Valencia sink FC Barcelona, Real Madrid have finally moved into first place in La Liga. They’ve consistently played better football than their disappointing rivals, but the title race remains tight due to their own mistakes.

On Saturday, Real Madrid must play another clean game against Atletico Madrid. They’ve had no trouble keeping Diego Simeone’s side off the scoresheet, but in 210 minutes of action this season against Atleti, Los Blancos have struggled to get one past Jan Oblak in regular time.

Since they defeated Los Rojiblancos to win the Spanish Supercup in penalties, Los Merengues will have confidence heading into this weekend’s home tilt. Here are five players who must shine in order for Real to pick up the full three points they are hoping for, especially with Eden Hazard still out.

CM Fede Valverde

Fede Valverde was the Man of the Match in the Supercup Final against Atletico, even better he made the decision to slide tackle Alvaro Morata from behind for a tactical red card. Valverde’s goal-saving tackle made the headlines, but he was energetic and vital throughout the match.

Whenever Valverde isn’t in the lineup, Real Madrid suffer. They don’t boss the midfield quite the same, they don’t get their playmakers into space as much, and they don’t have their most effective bridge from defense to attack when Eden Hazard is out.

This will be another big game for Valverde, who could put in yet another Man of the Match performance against one of Real’s biggest rivals.