Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid lived a boring derby with a lot of caution from both sides ending up in a goaless draw (0-0) at Wanda Metropolitano, where Los Blancos have not lost yet. Barcelona, who were able to win at Getafe, reduce the distance with the two main rivals in the title race, but the Madrid clubs are still on a good position in the table.
This year La Liga will be a complete battle with many fronts open. Real Sociedad can end up leader of the table this game if they are able to win at Sevilla. Many unexpected clubs are in European positions, like Athletic Club or Granada. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid fought to top the table but both were more afraid to lose than eager to win this battle, because the war will be long.
Perhaps for this reason, Zidane decided to keep Luka Modric on the bench, thinking also in the Champions League, and he added some muscle to the midfield with Fede Valverde. Nacho was also the main news in the starting eleven, because Marcelo and Mendy were injured. And, as usual, Nacho suffered a lot on his side. However, Atlético de Madrid didn’t attack a lot this time and was a different team from the one we saw during the summer that was able to humiliate Real Madrid.
Actually, Los Blancos were closer to get the three points. The most clear chance of the whole game was thanks to Karim Benzema. When Modric appeared in the second half, the lights were switched on and the Frenchman was very close to find the net with a header. However, Jan Oblak was there to prevent the goal with a great save. Hazard and Bale were looked after, so Los Blancos were unable to create clear chances.
However, this point can be seen in a positive way. After the disaster of the Champions League in Paris, Real Madrid are now three games in a row with a clean sheet and are still topping the table. It looks like Zidane has found the key to make this team working and the Champions League will be the next text on Tuesday. At least, this year Los Blancos will fight for La Liga.
