Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night. Los Blancos sit top of the table with a full 10-point lead over their Madrid rivals. Real are seven home league matches unbeaten vs Atleti with three wins and four draws. These sides have produced 14 goals across 240 minutes in cup clashes this season.

Real Madrid Form

Real have only lost two matches all season, both of them to Atletico Madrid. After losing an early-season La Liga match to their nemesis, they went 21 matches without losing in all competitions. The latter two results in that streak were a 5-3-win vs Atleti in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final and then a 4-1 win over Barcelona in the final four days later.

After lifting that trophy, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were beaten 4-2 after extra time by Atletico in the Copa del Rey. They responded with three successive league wins, beginning with a 3-2 home win over Almeria. After winning 2-1 from behind at Las Palmas, they won 2-0 at Getafe on Thursday night.

Real Madrid Team News

There is a defensive crisis for the log leaders going into this match. Eder Militao and David Alaba are ruled out long-term. Antonio Rudiger went off injured in midweek, with Nacho the only 100% fit centre back.

Rudiger is expected to play through the pain because Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended. Ferland Mendy is on standby as emergency cover. Thibaut Courtois is still ruled out in goal, but Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal are set to come into the XI after midweek rests.

Real Madrid Motivation

Madrid’s lead over Girona is just two points in the table. They will play to win this game and keep their lead.

With all the defensive injuries, Ancelotti may not see a draw as a bad result. Los Blancos are not expected to play an open style of play.

Atletico Madrid Form

Atletico’s title tilt has stuttered somewhat. They lost 1-0 at Barcelona in early December and lost two of their next five in the league, including 4-3 at Girona. After losing 5-3 to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, they’ve strung together five successive wins.

They scored twice in extra time to beat Real Madrid 4-2 in the Copa del Rey and then won 1-0 at Granada. A 1-0 Cup win over Sevilla preceded two more La Liga victories. Atletico beat Valencia 2-0 at home and scored in the 90th minute to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Diego Simeone rotated his side in midweek with Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo De Paul, and Koke all used as substitutes. All three are set to return to the starting XI. Wingback Vitolo is out long-term Thomas Lemar is a doubt in midfield.

Both Cesar Azpilicueta and Jose Gimenez will play no part in defence due to injury. Alvaro Morata is also ruled out so either Memphis Depay or Angel Correa will partner Griezmann up front.

Atletico Madrid Motivation

Atletico have been quite attacking this season with two goals scored per game. They also have just the fifth-best defensive record in La Liga.

They may see a depleted Real Madrid backline and fancy their chances. They may throw men forward in stages to exploit the absentees for Los Blancos.

Key Stats

Real Madrid have won 9 of their 10 home La Liga matches this term (1 draw)

Real Madrid are 7 home La Liga matches unbeaten vs Atletico (3 wins, 4 draws)

Atletico Madrid have won 5 matches in a row in all competitions

Atletico Madrid have beaten Real Madrid twice this season (1 La Liga, 1 Cup)

Atletico have lost 5 of their 10 away matches this season

Prediction

This match is complicated by Madrid’s defensive question marks. It may be worth checking the starting lineups before making your bets. These sides have produced plenty of goals in their recent meetings and could do the same in this one.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 2.10

Alternate Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.60

Alternate Bet: Atletico Madrid win/draw double chance at 2.10

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis