Derby and test for the captain

This season has been a tough one for everyone. Atletico, who went into the 2021-22 season as La Liga champions, left the trophy in the hands of their eternal rivals. Real Madrid have already secured the title this time.

Real arrive at the derby precisely at a delicate moment for Koke. The midfielder has had a season full of ups and downs.

Koke has experienced a drop in his performance. Simeone has noticed this and left him on the bench for the match against Athletic.

If there is one thing Cholo is clear about, and he said so before leaving Koke on the bench at San Mames, it is that whoever contributes the most will play. This is how he explained the captain's absence against Athletic: "Internal competition is growing and that generates improvement".

But in the derby, the captain will not be missing. According to 'AS', Koke will return to the midfield. From what has been seen during the week's training sessions, Cholo is counting on him ahead of the Real Madrid game.

So, this Atleti-Real Madrid game will be one of the toughest and most demanding for Koke. A match against the eternal rival is always motivating, but it is also one of the most crucial and delicate matches. Even more so when the team needs the best of Koke and the other ten protagonists of the match.