18 November 2017 • 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
Estadio Wanda Metropolitano
Referee: David Fernandez Borbalan

Injury Report:

1. Gareth Bale: Strain to the middle third of the adductor longus muscle. Return Date: imminent according to Z.
2. Isco: cleared
3. Dani: cleared
4.Navas: still sidelined. Return date: imminent.
5. Kovacic: cleared
6. Modric: cleared.

Squad List:
For some reason, the official squad list still hasn't been released yet by Real Madrid. But expect Z to call everybody with the exception of Navas and Bale.

Official Lineup:
Pending...

A draw or a loss here would completely eradicate the already-dying ray of hope and any chance, if there's still any, for us to ever get back into the title race.

We must win. No excuses.

The fortunate thing about this derby is that Atleti are also in a slump and from watching them this season, it's actually worse than us. Our major issue is scoring but we can still create (we do actually create). Atleti doesn't score plenty and does not create (much) chances.

That doesn't mean they won't be motivated or they aren't dangerous. Just a bit "easier" than previous seasons under Simeone. I expect us to be wasteful in everything so...draw most likely?!

I wouldn't rule out a draw. But one thing for sure though, if we lose this game, or even draw it for that matter, the players will take a serious dent to their confidence and to any desire they have left to win a major trophy this season.

Their minds would completely "check out" with a loss as they would be trailing Barcelona by 11 points, assuming the latter wins.

If we win though, we might gain enough grit to shake off this slump and get back to winning ways.  

Let's hope we win. We really need these three points for many reasons.

They are saying lineup will be

Casilla
Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo
Modric, Casemiro, Kroos
Isco
Benzema, Ronaldo

Apparently, the only doubt is Carvajal.

So basically he is back to his starting lineup with the exception of Navas. And yet almost everyone of these "starters" have had off form / poor performances this season. If we do win today, maybe that might be the impetus of a turnaround to this season, however if it is a lost (or a tie IMO), it will just serve as confirmation that this season is going to a rather poor one. A tie against a struggling Atleti is no saving grace and only will serve as more distance from both Barca and Valencia.

Watching Morata showcase such a substantial contribution towards Chelsea's attacking play, genuinely makes me jealous of them. He's on form for Spain, as well. Must be a result of his newly gained confidence.

Zidane: Benzema is the best striker in the world

Zidane is taking us for idiots no problem

you can't criticize Zidane, it's forbidden

Confirmed Lineup: Casilla; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Isco; Benzema, Cristiano.

There's a big question mark hovering around that lineup. Why is Benzema still starting and why is Carvajal being thrown in the starting eleven after a 7-week absence?

Nacho could've filled that void without risking Carvajal who obviously needs to be slowly eased into games and gain back his fitness level.

That was such a dirty move from Correa...if what he did to Benzema was really deliberate of course. If.

Also, Atlético are putting an Oscar-worthy performance at the moment. We better not sneeze around them or someone might drop to the ground, scream and roll in agony.

30 min have passed, and if there's anything to take from it's this:

Madrid have a very balanced team with everybody pulling their own weight and doing exactly what needs to be done. Everybody except the attack. Our best chance so far came from Kroos piercing their defense to combine with Ronaldo. The latter is completely marked and starved off the ball.

Benzema alors là is completely out of this game. I'm not sure if he's touched the ball more than 3 times. It's a shame he's taking up a valuable spot in the starting elven.

Never thought I would live to see Madrid's attack become the weakest area in the team.

The midfield and defesne have done enough to earna goal or two, but the attack is letting them down.

i feel like the surprise effect of the 4312 we play with ran off about 2 months ago. Teams know how to defend us and we dont create a lot of chances and goals with this tactic now.

Kroos and Modric lack of box to box ability is a real hurt if you want to play that scheme, it's not how to best use them.

Not bad at all really. I mean, Marcelo and Varane almost (or actually) shat the bed but Correa did rubbish. Meanwhile, Kroos had just as good of a chance and he too did rubbish. Other than that, I personally find we are playing well. Isco is showing @Freeza what a real AM does against city rivals.

0-0 half-time.

Honestly I think Madrid have been the dominant side and by far this half. The only reason we haven't scored yet is because the attack has been very underwhelming.

Isco has been absolutely majestic. Marcelo has been quite vibrant and Varane (to my surprise) has been quite solid. Modric and Kroos have been good too, Casemiro a rock, and Carvajal looks to have shaken off the poor form he picked up prior to the heart infection.

Honestly I haven't got a single critic for the defense and midfield. They have been great. My only problem lies with the attack. It's lethargic, uninspired and toothless.

I can't believe Florentino of all people is content with this attack.

Atletico are kinda unrecognizable for a someone team

They're aggressive, diving, provocative and playacting. Looks like a Simeone team to me.

Justice for Chad

Benz being open and the team either misplacing a pass to him or ignoring him

The Demon of Carthage wrote:They're aggressive, diving, provocative and playacting. Looks like a Simeone team to me.

And putting 10 guys in the box hoping to spring a counter. Yup, normal Atleti to me.

Waiting for Vasquez and Theo to come on

please bring Mayoral on

will we see the double left back tactic today?

Really hope not. We really need Kova's defense-splitting runs right about now.

I hope he comes on.

seriously though, Atletico took off Partey and now they are dominating. where is your response Zidane?

Mr Nick09 wrote:seriously though, Atletico took off Partey and now they are dominating. where is your response Zidane?

Vazquez is coming, bruh