The new pair of Real Madrid center-backs arrive at the derby. Eder Militao and David Alaba are overcoming the difficult mission with flying colors to replace the pair formed for years by Sergio Ramos and Varane; the match against Atlético de Madrid can be the definitive thermometer to assess whether the couple has what it takes to defend the white jersey at the highest level. In front will be the Griezmann, Cunha, João Félix, Correa and we will see if Luis Suárez, the champion’s attack and a team this defense has never faced.
In fact, Militao doesn’t know what it’s like to play against Atleti; He did not have a minute in the four games against the rojiblancos of the past two seasons; Nor did they see the faces with those of Simeone when he was a member of Porto. Alaba does know more or less what he will find, because he played against Atleti six times when he wore the Bayern jersey: three wins, one draw and two losses.
Alaba already suffered Atleti at Bayern
Four of those matches were in the group stage, the remaining two in the 2015-16 Champions semi-finals, in which Bayern lost in the first leg (1-0) and prevailed in the second leg (2-1); the double value of away goals left the Bavarians without the Milan final, in which Madrid would end up imposing in the penalty shoot-out.
Alaba and Militao have been Madrid’s center-back pair in 17 of the 22 games this season; the team noticed, conceded nine goals in those duels. About nine are the games in which Madrid has left a clean sheet this season, and in all cases the Brazilian and Austrian were the starting centrals. They are talisman and arrive on a roll: the team accumulates three matches in a row without conceding goals.