Anticipation has escalated everywhere around the football world as two Madrid biggies, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, prepare to lock horns at Vicente Calderon stadium on Saturday in the Spanish La Liga.
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Diego Simeone’s and Zinedine Zidane’s men will meet for the first time this season after last season’s Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat their neighbors on tie-breaker.
Real Madrid’s start to this season has been pitch perfect as no team has been able to beat the Whites. Currently standing on the summit of the table with 27 points, Los Blancos will travel to their neighbor to display their flawless form this season.
Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 loss against Real Sociedad before the international break pushed them back to fourth position with 21 points, six behind Real.
Recent history, however, totally favors the home side. Real Madrid has failed to beat Simeone’s men six times in a row in La Liga. The only manager who defeated Diego Simeone as the Real boss was Jose Mourinho, who won all three of their league meetings.
Though Atletico has struggled to find the momentum this season, they have a huge advantage over their rivals at home, where they remain unbeaten in 22 league games in a rowsAtletico Madrid: Team News
There are a few injured players on the Roji Blancos squad. Argentine Midfielder Gaitan was declared unfit to play in the match due to gluteal strain.
Andre Moreira and Augusto Fernandez also will be unavailable because of a knee injury and a knee-ligament injury respectively.
Atletico star Antonio Griezmann, who has already scored six La Liga goals, will lead the attack against Real Madrid. Given his experience in big matches, Fernando Torres might get a chance alongside Griezmann to start in front of the home fans.
Atletico’s Predicted Lineup Vs. Real Madrid
Oblak — Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Filipe Luis — Gabi, Koke, Saul, Carrasco — Torres, Griezmann
Real Madrid: Team News
Troubles seem to surmount for manager Zinedine Zidane as new injuries rule out the selection of many of the team’s key players.
Once again this season, striker Karim Benzema will miss a game because he is still undergoing treatment for Sacroiliitis, according to the club report.
A huge blow hit Real Madrid supporters when the young striker, Alvaro Morata, got a knock in the 2-2 draw against England this week. Real’s attacking force will be diluted as these two strikers are unavailable vs. Atletico.
New midfield star Casemiro’s absence from the lineup due to a long term injury surely will weaken Madrid’s midfield. Casemiro has been one of the key figures for Real Madrid’s success in recent months, and it will be tough for Zidane to replace a player of his caliber.
Star defender Sergio Ramos is also certain to miss the derby due to a knee injury. Ramos, who scored in two Champions League finals against Atletico, will be a huge miss for Los Blancos.
Good news for the Whites fans is that Ronaldo and Bale are fit to lead the attack from the front. A comeback of Pepe from injury will be a relief for Zidane as he can form a stable partnership with Raphael Varane to hinder the opponent’s attacks.
Real Madrid’s Probable Lineup Vs. Atletico
Navas — Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo — Kroos, Isco, Kovacic — James, Ronaldo, Bale
Atletico Vs. Real Madrid: Prediction
There is no clear favorite to win this Atletico vs. Real Madrid battle. Atletico Madrid’s recent history against their neighbors and a home advantage might favor their side. However, Real Madrid won’t surrender easily as they have superstars like Ronald and Bale, who could have a big impact on the game. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, so, right now, it is almost impossible to pick the winner between the two Spanish behemoths.
Final Prediction: Atletico 1-1 Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid vs. Real: Betting Tips and Odds
Atletico win: 7/5
A draw: 23/10
Real Madrid win: 2/1
Under 2.5 goals: 4/5
Over 2.5 goals: 10/11
Both teams score: 4/6
Both teams fail to score: 11/10
