In what is expected to be the final league derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, there is not much in world football that is currently comparable to Saturday's fixture. Some will argue that El Clasico on December 3 is the bigger game, but the truth is that the Rojiblancos and Los Blancos have met each other in the Champions League final in two of the past three years. Though Real Madrid-Barcelona is a more historic rivalry, the recent history of Real Madrid-Atletico is one that has had repercussions both in LaLiga and European football's premier competition. Only Barcelona and Manchester United have recorded the same feat of being in the final in two out of a possible three years (in 2009 and 2011). Milan and Inter's once famous rivalry used to directly impact the top of the Italian league but that is no longer the case; instead, in LaLiga, the results of fixtures such as Atletico-Real Madrid can sway where the title goes, and Spain have also performed well in Europe after winning the past three Champions League's.
Saturday and Sunday sees many top level matches occur with Manchester United-Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund-Bayern Munich and Milan-Inter all expected to be watched by many millions across the globe as well as tuning in for the Madrid derby. For the latter, there are rivalries both on and off the pitch: Diego Simeone against Zinedine Zidane on the touchline; Antoine Griezmann against Cristiano Ronaldo in the striker and Ballon d'Or race; and the duo of Koke and Kevin Gameiro against Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. While Real Madrid are currently the best side in Europe, as ranked by UEFA, Atletico are fourth, only behind Bayern and Barcelona. Zidane's last league defeat came against Atleti at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but since February 27, Real have not felt the losing feeling in the league. Atletico will, however, be looking to avenge their defeat in the Champions League final and peg back Los Blancos' march to the league title.
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