Ben Some matches take on an extra dimension because of the significance the results can have on an entire season.
And Saturday’s decisive Madrid derby certainly falls into that category as Los Blancos look to make a sizeable step towards recapturing the La Liga title that has evaded them since 2012.
For the club’s biggest occasions in his tenure, Zinedine Zidane’s first-choice XI has been clear.
All components of the side that started their historic 11th Champions League final win in Milan last May are fit for their derby with Atletico and Zidane is not set to waiver too far from the tried and tested formula.
After resting his key men for last week’s 4-2 victory at Leganes, Zidane can call on all of his Galacticos as they look to maintain their grip on the title.
And with Los Blancos set to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga with a victory over their rivals – we take a look at who could be on their way out of the club if they do claim their first domestic title in five years.
PEPE TO PACK HIS BAGS
Portuguese defender Pepe has won just about everything in the game, bar a World Cup.
He added the UEFA European Championship title in the summer to his 11 major trophies with Los Blancos and, at 34 years old, could be on his way from the Santiago Bernabeu.
The centre-back’s contract expires at the end of the season with reports suggesting he is involved in a big money move to the Chinese Super League.
With the impressive progression of young centre-back Raphael Varane playing alongside skipper Sergio Ramos, Pepe may find that his days in the Spanish capital are numbered should he claim a third league title with Real.
Pepe’s potential departure would bring the curtain down on nine seasons with the Spanish giants in which he has made over 200 appearances.
ADIOS A JAMES
Colombian James Rodriguez has found game-time hard to come by under Zidane and could force a move in the summer should Los Blancos claim the title.
To many, Rodriguez’s talent is being wasted in Madrid as he struggles to break into a team containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
The Colombian No.10 arrived in the summer of 2014 after impressing at the 2014 World Cup, scoring six goals as Colombia reached the quarter-finals – eventually losing to hosts Brazil.
But since suffering a thigh injury in October 2015, Rodriguez has had to settle for being a bit-part player in a Champions League-winning season under Zidane.
At just 25, Rodriguez still has a lot to offer major clubs in Europe and having made just 15 appearances for Real Madrid this term, winning the league could be just the send-off he desires.
MORATA EXIT
At just 24, Alvaro Morata has had quite a career so far and could be set to leave Real Madrid for the second time should they claim the La Liga title.
After six seasons with Los Blancos, Morata moved to Juventus for £20million back in 2014, where he won the cup and domestic double in successive seasons, before being bought back for £30million two years later.
And with Chelsea star Eden Hazard thought to be on his way to the Spanish capital, the highly-rated striker could perhaps move the other way.
His success in Spanish and Italian club football has impressed Blues boss Antonio Conte, so Hazard’s arrival in Madrid could free up Morata to head to Stamford Bridge as part of a monumental swap deal.
And if Morata’s club success is set to continue, you would not blame Chelsea fans for wanting the Spaniard in their ranks next season.
