The game between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano is expected to be a tight one. And both teams have sprung selection surprises going into it. Carlo Ancelotti has brought Eder Militao straight into the starting XI, partnering him with David Alaba in the heart of defence, even though the Brazilian had been out of action recently due to injury. Antonio Rudiger has been left on the bench.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid have stunningly named Antoine Griezmann in the starting XI, something that nobody could have expected coming into the game.
Griezmann had featured in all the other games this season as a second half substitute, even though he has been Atletico Madrid’s joint top scorer alongside Alvaro Morata, thanks to a complex loan situation with Barcelona. But on the big occasion of the derby, Diego Simeone has decided to rely on the Frenchman to deliver.
Thus, it is safe to say that things have gotten a lot more interesting already and let’s see if there are more surprises awaiting the fans after kick-off.
Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have sprang selection surprises in the Derby
Real Madrid have a perfect record to protect on the day. They have won all their games this season going into it – the Super Cup, five La Liga games and two Champions League matches. The away game at the Metropolitano could very well be their toughest test till now though.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid have not enjoyed the greatest start to the campaign and sit at 7th in the La Liga table, and are coming off of a 2-0 defeat vs Bayer Leverkusen in midweek in the Champions League.
But a win against Real Madrid could ignite their season and would leave them only three points off the top of the La Liga table.