Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
For so long, this was a La Liga game which flickered only on occasion; a derby with the potential for so much more but which often didn’t deliver due to the gap between the clubs.
Financially, you could argue the gap remains as high as always, but ever since an Argentinian by the name of Diego Simeone rode into town at Christmas 2011, one club began to punch above its weight to the extent they became a genuine threat to the establishment.
Indeed, La Liga highlights are now expected rather than hoped for when Madrid’s big beasts clash.
This Sunday night at the Estadio Metropolitano should be no different.
Talking Points
At the time of writing, it is hard to know what shape Simeone’s hosts, Atletico, will be in.
They travel to Celta Vigo on Thursday evening knowing victory will move them up to third, two points behind their city rivals.
It also means they will have 48 hours less to recover than the mighty Real who were 3-2 winners against Alavés at the Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
It does appear the champions of Spain and Europe are starting to move through the gears and, of course, winning without always playing well is certainly the sign of a top team.
Last weekend, Kylian Mbappe netted his fourth goal in three La Liga games as Real came from behind to earn an emphatic victory over Espanyol.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side ended the match with 31 attempts in total, compared to Espanyol’s one and Real never panicked after briefly falling behind.
That was extended further against Alaves when Mbappe made it seven goals in nine matches across all competitions since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet he was later substituted and gestured to his thigh while leaving the pitch which means there’ll be no Mbappe Mania at this Madrid derby with his place likely to go to Rodrygo alongside Vinicius Junior.
In midfield, meanwhile, Aurelien Tchuoameni, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham have their spot guaranteed so the question mark is over the fourth spot.
Eduardo Camavinga was due to return to training on Thursday and, depending on how his knee responds to treatment, he may be included.
Whatever personnel they face, Atletico will need no motivation as they prepare to host the first Madrid derby of the new season.
History
Historically, Real have the distinct edge as you would expect.
This includes the 2014 and 2016 Champions League Finals.
In this fixture last season Atletico turned the tables and recorded a 3-1 home win.
On that occasion, a poor refereeing performance detracted somewhat from the contest but should not take away from Atletico’s showing, led by a Alvaro Morata double and an Antoine Griezmann header to seal a 3-1 victory.
Real then got the better of their city rivals in Saudi Arabia in the New Year in a thrilling Supercopa de Espana semi-final.
There were eight goals and many talking points as Real emerged 5-3 winners after extra-time.
The game had everything including a record-breaking Griezmann wonder goal and the sight of Jan Oblak chasing back from the Real Madrid half in a vain attempt to catch runaway Brahim Diaz who netted the final goal of the game.
Ultimately, Griezmann’s goal – his 174th goal for the club, one more than Luis Aragones who had held the record as the club’s top scorer since 1974 – was a consolation.
He gained some revenge though with the decisive third in a 4-2 success around a week later when Atletico knocked their rivals out of the Copa del Rey in another exciting tie.
Lino pounced from close range to put Atletico ahead before Oblak knocked Luka Modric’s free-kick into his own net to hand Real a leveller.
Morata put Atletico ahead again before Joselu headed in Jude Bellingham’s 82nd-minute cross.
Into the additional 30 minutes and Griezmann cut in before firing home from a tight angle in the 100th minute and Riquelme netted the fourth.
The league contest at the Bernabeu in February, their most recent meeting, ended 1-1 when Diaz’s opener was cancelled out by a stoppage time Marcos Llorente header.
Betting Tip
Real have the edge which speaks volumes for their impressive displays as Atletico are favourites at home on the majority of occasions.
With the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds, Los Rojiblancos can be backed 1X2 @ 2.64 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.33.
That is in contrast to Real who are on offer 1X2 @ 2.37 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.13.
If you fancy a repeat of last season’s 3-1 home win in this fixture, then Correct Score will give you a pay day of @ 22.00
Goal options include over 2.75 @ 1.93, total goal 2-3 @ 2.03 and 4-6 @ 2.91.
If you are leaning towards a much tighter affair, then how about total goal 0-1 @ 3.67.
I was going to opt for the 1X2 Draw @ 3.32 but then I realised that Real have had 48 hours more to prepare which is why, amidst all the derby day passion, I’m still edging towards an away victory.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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