One of the most anticipated matches in football, Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid, will happen at Bernabeu this Sunday evening.
Real Madrid leads La Liga with 57 points from 22 games, while Atletico is in third place, trailing by 10 points.
Match preview
Real Madrid comes into this game after a 2-0 win against Getafe on Thursday, thanks to Joselu’s two goals. This victory marked their 18th league win.
Currently first in the league, they are two points ahead of Girona. Their only loss was against Atletico on September 24.
With six consecutive league wins, Real Madrid faces important upcoming matches against Atletico, Girona, and then travels to Germany to play RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
This season, Real Madrid has played Atletico three times, losing once and winning twice, including a victory over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Real Madrid boasts the best defense in La Liga, conceding only 14 goals, even without key players Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao.
A win here is crucial for Real Madrid, who have been strong at home, winning nine out of ten league matches.
Atletico, quietly having a strong season, is in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and the Champions League last-16.
They come into this match on a five-game winning streak, which has brought them to 47 points from 22 games.
Despite being strong at home, Atletico’s away performance has been mixed, with only four wins out of ten league matches on the road.
Atletico hasn’t won against Real Madrid at Bernabeu in the league since February 2016 but has kept the competition close in recent encounters.
New players Arthur Vermeeren, Horatiu Moldovan, and Gabriel Paulista joined Atletico in January.
Real Madrid La Liga form:
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Real Madrid form (all competitions):
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Atletico Madrid La Liga form:
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Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):
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Team News
Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger might miss the game due to a thigh injury. With Militao, David Alaba, and Courtois out, and Aurelien Tchouameni suspended, the defense could see changes.
Joselu might not start despite his recent performance. Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal are likely returning to the starting lineup.
Atletico will miss Jose Gimenez, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thomas Lemar. Alvaro Morata hopes to be fit against his old team.
Simeone plans several changes, with Nahuel Molina, Samuel Lino, Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, and Antoine Griezmann expected to start.
Memphis Depay may join Griezmann upfront if Morata isn’t ready, with new signings possibly on the bench.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin;
Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy;
Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos;
Bellingham;
Rodrygo, Vinicius
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak;
Witsel, Hermoso, Reinildo;
Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino;
Griezmann, Morata
Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
It’s hard to predict this match; Atletico’s away form clashes with Real Madrid’s home strength. Expect a close game with both teams likely ending in a draw, which would suit both parties.
