Atletico Madrid – Real Madrid Match Preview
Atletico Madrid lost their last match at home against Barcelona 3-2 loss in the Copa del Rey, after playing with ten men for half of the match, ending up in nine. Last month, however, Los Colchoneros did defeat their city rivals comfortably in the same competition, as Raul Garcia and Jose Gimenez netted to secure Simeone’s team a simple 2-0 victory. Gabi returns from suspension for the home team, with the Atletico Madrid captain partnering fellow experienced professional Tiago in the centre of the park. Cristian Ansaldi is back in contention after an injury but will probably lose his place in favour of Guilherme Siqueira at left-back and even if Arda Turan is a slight doubt, he will take some part in the showdown. Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic should be Diego Simeone’s chosen striking duo, though Fernando Torres is bound to feature at some point during proceedings.
After gaining some momentum with wins against Cordoba and Getafe away, Ancelotti will hope that his side are in better shape heading into this clash, with the return of Cristiano Ronaldo as a very welcome boost. Pepe and Luka Modric both continue to edge back towards fitness, with Fabio Coentrao likely to slot into defence at the expense of Marcelo. The other two in the attacking trio will be Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. Asier Illarramendi is likely to drop out of the side, with Sami Khedira a possible consideration for Carlo Ancelotti due to the Germany international’s great physical presence.
Our Probable Formations:
Atletico Madrid (4.4.2) Moya, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira, Turan, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Griezmann and Mandzukic.
Real Madrid (4.3.3) Casillas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao, Isco, Kroos, Khedira, Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo.
BetAdvisor Top Tips:
Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Atletico are undefeated in their last 7 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Atletico’s last 6 games in La Liga.
Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in 10 of their last 11 home matches in La Liga.
Atletico have been winning at both half time and full time in 8 of their last 9 home matches in La Liga.
Atletico are undefeated in 30 of their last 31 home matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 17 of their last 18 matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid have won 17 of their last 18 matches in La Liga.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Real Madrid’s last 15 games in La Liga.