Ace Football previews the LaLiga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid meet at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon in a clash that could prove decisive in the LaLiga title battle.
The famous Madrid derby has always been an intense and closely contested affair, and the 227th fixture is set to be no different. Both clubs have a lot at stake, with Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday increasing the pressure.
Not many goals are expected in the Spanish capital, with only two goals in the last four competitive meetings. Defeat is not an option and, for Real Madrid especially, victory is a must to keep a league title challenge going.
Atletico Madrid Form & Stats
Hopes of an 11th LaLiga title, and a first since 2013/14, are stronger than ever this season. The Colchoneros hold a two-point lead over Barcelona in the league standings on 58 points out of a possible 72 points, having won 18 of their 24 games (D4 L2). They also have two games in hand, including Sunday’s derby, over their Catalan rivals.
A 2-0 win away at Villarreal last time out, meanwhile, restored Atletico to winning ways. It was only their second victory in five league games (D2 L1) following a surprise 2-0 defeat to Levante in their last home fixture.
Despite this dip in form, Diego Simeone’s men have been solid overall. They have the league’s second-highest goal tally on 47 goals, with 18 of those coming directly from Luis Suarez (16 goals, two assists), and have the best defensive record on 16 conceded goals. Beating Real Madrid in LaLiga for the first time since 2017 would also be a major statement of intent.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in 27 of their last 28 home games in all competitions.
- Failed to win any of their last 9 league games against Real Madrid (D5 L4).
- Failed to score in their last 3 league games against Real Madrid.
- Under 2.5 goals in their last 4 games in all competitions.
- Luis Suarez has managed 11 goals and 5 assists in 17 appearances against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Real Madrid Form & Stats
The Madrid derby is a must-win affair for Zinedine Zidane’s side, who sit five points behind Atletico in third-place and have played a game more. Not doing so could leave them with a mountain to climb in the battle for league honors.
Despite a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad last time out, Real Madrid have been in relatively good form. The reigning champions have won five of their last six games in all competitions, with four of them to nil, and have the league’s third-best away record (W8 D4 L1). It’s put them back into the title battle and on the brink of a Champions League quarter-final spot.
Seeing that his side has struggled for goals recently, having failed to score over one goal in each of the last three outings, Zidane has recalled Karim Benzema. The striker’s level of fitness, though, is uncertain. While the likes of Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard are once again unavailable for the injury-ravaged visitors.
Key Team Stats
- Won 5 of their last 6 games in all competitions (D1).
- Under 2.5 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.
- Unbeaten in their last 8 away league games (W5 D3).
- Unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 games against Atletico Madrid in all competitions.
- Under 2.5 goals in their last 4 games against Atletico Madrid in all competitions.
Team News
Atletico Madrid
Out: Jose Gimenez.
Doubts: N/A.
Real Madrid
Out: Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos.
Doubts: N/A.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in LaLiga
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in LaLiga.
Betting Tips
More Odds
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