5 reasons why Real Madrid will destroy Atletico Madrid tonight

Real Madrid CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Semi Final
Real Madrid CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

#2 Real Madrid's injury nightmare is almost over

Real Madrid CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: First Leg
Real Madrid CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: First Leg

What has often gone overlooked amidst the criticism of Real Madrid's poor start to the season has been that more often than not, Zinedine Zidane has been unable to name his first-choice XI.

With the return of Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric to the fold, Zidane can pretty much field 9 of his first choice 11, with Gareth Bale and Keylor Navas still regrettably absent.

With plenty of returnees back into the fold, fresh legs could prove pivotal for Real Madrid as they face up to the high-pressing of Diego Simeone's side in the Madrid derby.

Carvajal's return, in particular, can be hugely important, as his ability to bomb down the wings and contribute in attack has been sorely missed - with Ronaldo heading stats having gone down in the Spanish fullback's absence. Zidane will finally have the choice to field his first-choice back four, but might miss the presence of Keylor Navas, who always turns up in the big moments of big games.

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Edited by Sunaadh Sagar
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