Ronaldo becomes top scorer in Madrid derby history

Griezmann, speaking ahead of France’s World Cup qualifier with Sweden last week, admitted his desire to play alongside Paul Pogba at some point in his career.

‘I had no doubt, and it is not the three goals he scored that will make me change my mind.

Malaga have proved hard opponents for Barca recently at the Nou Camp, beating Luis Enrique’s side 1-0 in February 2015 and only losing 1-0 last season.

Griezmann has shown in the past that he can very well measure up to the likes of Ronaldo and Bale but could fall short this time around, if he does end up starting, which is doubtful, considering his fitness.

Besides Benzema, Madrid will also have back Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric after both recovered from knee problems, although Modric will be without fellow midfielders Toni Kroos and Casemiro due to injuries.

But Real were dominant throughout and extended their unbeaten run to 29 games since losing to Atletico in February.

“I expect the stands to be the same as always”, Simeone said. Los Blancos, on past occasions, have found it very hard to penetrate through the Atletico defence and Simeone has no intentions of making it any easier for them. One team is dominant and has seen some of the best players in the sport wear its colors. It’s not easy; there are few teams who will win 3-0 here.

‘We put the necessary intensity against a hard opponent who always complicates the task on his ground’. Atletico have won four and drawn two of the last six league derbies, just one demonstration of how charismatic Argentine coach Diego Simeone has transformed the fortunes of the sleeping giant he took over in December 2011.

Simeone introduced Angel Correa and Kevin Gameiro from the bench to create a front three alongside Griezmann, but it was Madrid who came closest to a second, with Isco’s low shot from the edge of the area pushed around the right-hand post by Oblak. He opened the scoring with a defelcted free-kick in the 23rd minute before slotting a penalty that he win himself in the 71st.

The goal may yet be credited to Raphael Varane, although it will remain with Ronaldo if it was deemed to have struck Atletico defender Stefan Savic, but there was no stopping Real’s Portuguese talisman. Young winger Lucas Vasquez, who has impressed for Zidane in the past, will most probably get a considerable amount of playing time for Madrid.

‘We were fine up to the penalty, from there it was all uphill. The Rojiblancos played with much more urgency, pinning their opponents at back, but they could not set up effective offense against the classic 4-4-2 formation of Real.

Eibar and Celta also play on Saturday, before Sunday kicks off with Espanyol’s visit to play Alaves.