The afternoon of February 27, at Madrid's Bernabéu Stadium.
La Liga, Round 26. Real Madrid hosted Atletico Madrid.
With a City Derby wedged between the two legs of the Champions League Round of 16, it was a huge challenge for either team. Even a powerhouse like Real Madrid felt tremendous pressure.
Real Madrid rotated its lineup, facing Atletico Madrid in a 4-3-1-2 Formation.
Courtois started in goal. The back four consisted of Azpilicueta, Vermaelen, Varane, and Danilo. The midfield was Toni Kroos, Mascherano, and Modrić, with Isco playing farther forward. Yang Yang and Suarez formed the strike partnership.
Atletico Madrid also lined up in a 4-4-2 Formation.
Oblak was in goal. The defense consisted of Filipe Luis, Godín, Gimenez, and Juanfran. The midfield was Koke, Gabi, Augusto, and Saúl, with Torres and Griezmann up front.
The two teams had something in common with their lineups: both placed great importance on balancing attack and defense. Neither wanted to take unnecessary risks. But there was also a difference. Real Madrid had abandoned its traditionally effective wing play and once again placed its trust in Isco.
There was no other choice.
In the midweek Champions League matches, both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid had played away. But one had faced Serie A powerhouse Roma, while the other had faced Eredivisie side Eindhoven. The pressure facing the two Madrid clubs in Europe was not the same. Moreover, Atletico had held back in the Netherlands, ultimately returning to Madrid with a scoreless draw.
Clearly, Simeone had placed the key to victory in the home match.
Real Madrid could have done the same, but that did not fit its strategy. The team had a sufficiently large advantage in the league, so even losing this Madrid derby would not have greatly affected the overall title race. But