La Liga: More than pride at stake in Madrid derby

Madrid : Sunday’s Madrid derby between Real and Atletico Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is one of the most important games of the season to date and could go a long way towards determining this season’s title winners.
Defending champions Atletico travel to the Bernabeu 10 points behind their neighbours and although they have a game in hand over Real Madrid, defeat would all but end their title defense.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone saw his side win 3-1 away to Porto on Tuesday night to assure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, but Atletico have been irregular in front of goal all campaign, while their defense has lacked the reliability that has been their trademark in recent years.
Simeone isn’t helped by injuries to key central defenders Stefan Savic and Jose Gimenez, while first choice right back Kieran Trippier is also sidelined, as is Sime Vrsaljko, who broke his jaw in Porto.
Luis Suarez is also unlikely to be fit, which should give the more mobile Angel Correa the chance to start, while Mario Hermoso should partner Felipe in central defense, with Geoffrey Kondogbia playing in a defensive midfield role, reports Xinhua.
Real Madrid have been virtually unstoppable in recent weeks and although their performances haven’t always been as good as their results, someone has always stepped forward to decide games in their favour, be it (former Atletico) goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois or strikers Karim Benzema or Vinicius Jr.