Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: 5 players to watch out for | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Joao Felix

Joao Felix's celebration against Villarreal made headlines

Joao Felix's talents were there for all to see as Atletico Madrid began the season in stellar fashion. But his club has suffered a dip in form, and so has the Portuguese starlet.

Although Felix has lost his place in the starting lineup, the fire inside still burns brightly. As Atletico struggled to hold a 1-0 lead against Villarreal in their previous match, Joao Felix came on and changed the game. He got his reward in the 69th minute, hammering a volley into the bottom corner.

The celebration that followed spoke volumes, as the 21-year-old gestured angrily at the bench. Some may call it childish, or unprofessional, but it's the same desire that may serve to motivate the Portuguese forward against Real Madrid.

Simeone asked about Joao Felix celebration. Laughs "You'd have to ask him. He scored a great goal, that's what we need from him. I love when the players show spirit, rebel, are strong, that's what we need."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 28, 2021

He's not scored in the 231 minutes he's played against Los Blancos. But Felix has been repeatedly proving his naysayers wrong this season, so one wouldn't bet against him breaking his duck.

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#4 Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema could make a welcome return for Real Madrid

It's been no secret that Real Madrid have suffered in Karim Benzema's absence. Zinedine Zidane's almost hopeful plea that the French striker would be fit for this game following the draw against Real Sociedad shows how valued Benzema is.

Mariano Diaz and Isco have attempted to replace the 33-year-old, but they've been less than stellar in their efforts. Thus, the sight of Benzema training with his teammates in Valdebebas ahead of the game ought to please Madridistas.

Benzema doesn't have the best of records against Atletico statistically, as he has scored 5 and assisted 4 in 35 games against the Rojiblancos. However, he was fantastic in the reverse fixture earlier this season, stitching play together and forcing Jan Oblak into making world-class saves.

Since @Cristiano left Real Madrid, @Benzema has scored 74 goals. Cristiano has scored 88 at Juventus, but if penalties are erased from the statistical sheet📊, the balance falls on the Madridista's side: 66 to 61💪. pic.twitter.com/MQGJiEzyVh

— AS English (@English_AS) February 26, 2021

Even when Simeone has used a compact defence against Real Madrid, Benzema has always been able to hold the ball up and find teammates even in tight spaces. Zidane will be hoping his striker doesn't suffer any rustiness, as the result of this game could decide the title.

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#5 Marcos Llorente

Marcos Llorente could come back to haunt his former club

Kieran Trippier's 10-match ban in December impacted Atletico Madrid's season in more ways than one. Diego Simeone was forced to rejig a settled lineup, with Marcos Llorente forced to curb his attacking instincts as he played in a right wing-back role. It's no surprise that Atletico have gone off the boil ever since.

Llorente was one of, if not the best, the Rojiblanco players going into December and Trippier's return ought to be a welcome sight. The pair share an excellent understanding on the pitch, especially if Simeone returns to his tried-and-trusted 4-4-2 formation.

Ferland Mendy's tendency to go forward ought to play into Llorente's hands, especially if Trippier makes his return and offers protection. Real Madrid have suffered while tracking runners into the box this season - one of Llorente's biggest strengths - and the 26-year-old could capitalise.

There's the added incentive of being a former Real Madrid player. Having lost three out of four times while playing against his former club, Marcos Llorente will be hugely motivated to put the final nail in Real Madrid's title ambitions while strengthening his own team's charge.