LaLiga 2018/19: 3 Key Battles that will decide the Madrid Derby

#2 Gareth Bale vs Lucas Hernandez

Bale has been in great form thus far

Bale looks to have taken the baton from Cristiano Ronaldo and he is unquestionably their main attacking threat. The Welshman has been in scintillating form, scoring four and setting up two more thus far.

Simeone will surely play Hernandez at left-back over Filipe Luis, as the Frenchman will counter Bale's pace more effectively. Hernandez is one of the best young defenders in the world, and his fantastic World Cup attests to that.

His hands will definitely be full against Bale, but the youngster has proved that he can do the job defensively. If he succeeds in doing so, it could help Atletico massively to get a result.