Atletico Madrid may not be having the best campaign this season, but whenever they met the big 2, Real Madrid or Barcelona, their pride flares.
It's no longer a game of just result and points, it's a game of pride.
Their derby against Real Madrid was more personal. Afterall, born in the same city, this was a club that was always superior to them, a club that had beat them in the biggest stage twice, the UEFA Champions League final.
The rivalry and hatred ran deep.
It was always a war when these two sides clash in any competition.
Diego Simeone made the first change of the game in the second half, as he finally brought Antoine Griezmann on for Cardoso.
When the teams reemerged, the Riyadh air felt heavier, heat trapped beneath the roof like a forge. The derby had already singed nerves, but the second half promised to melt them.
Simeone clapped his players into a tight huddle, eyes blazing.
