Real Madrid are looking to successfully complete the "third mission" ... and an easy confrontation for Barcelona

The fate of Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid's coach, was at stake in the three most difficult confrontations in just one week, but after beating Sevilla in the Spanish League and Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League, the French coach enters the derby against Atlético Madrid on Saturday with confidence.

After a series of negative results, the royal narrowly defeated Sevilla last week with a goal without response, and he followed that by beating Gladbach with two goals in the Champions League to take the lead in Group Two in a move that removed some pressure from the French coach's shoulders.

Zidane could achieve his third successive victory at the expense of leaders Atlético at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium.

Atletico, led by Argentine coach Diego Simeone, leads the Spanish League table with 26 points from ten matches, while Real is fourth with twenty points from 11 games.

Karim Benzema scored the two goals of Real Madrid against Gladbach after he used to shine in the derby clashes against Atlético de Madrid in the past, most notably the Champions League final match in 2017. Benzema sent a wonderful pass to his colleague Isco, who scored the decisive goal of Real Madrid against Atlético in that match.

Simeone said of Zidane, "Real Madrid is a great team and they have a coach who knows his players better than anyone else and continues to bring out their best in times of difficulty. I admire them, they always have the competitive edge."

Barcelona must regain its balance after a disastrous run, when they meet Levante on Sunday, a few days after losing their harsh home to Juventus by three goals without a response in the Champions League.

The defeat against Juventus came after losing in the last round of the Spanish League at the Cadiz stadium with two goals to one, leaving Barcelona to ninth place in the local league.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman was subjected to harsh criticism after refusing to change his game (4/2/3/1), stressing that it was the most appropriate way of playing for him.

"It is the best way in our group of players," Koeman said, despite the Spanish media reports that Barcelona's players are not satisfied with this method.

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