The Madrid derby will perhaps be the biggest and most intense derby across Europe this week. It will be a huge clash when Atletico Madrid will lock horns with Real Madrid at Vicente Calderon stadium. Diego Simeone will surely look for revenge for last season’s Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat their neighbours on tie-breaker.
Both the teams have started well this season with Real getting the better option. They are unbeaten so far and sit at the top of the table with 27 points. If the form is to be considered, Real are clear favourites as Atletico have faltered a bit this season. The recent one was their 2-0 loss against Real Sociedad before the international break pushed them back to the fourth position with 21 points, six behind Real
But Real Madrid have failed to beat Simeone’s men six times in a row in La Liga. Atletico’s home form has been terrific, where they remain unbeaten in 22 league games in a row.
Team news
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone will miss the services of Argentine midfielder Gaitán after he was declared unfit to play in the match due to gluteal strain. Apart from them, Andre Moreira and Augusto Fernandez will also be unavailable because of knee injuries.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid already had a long list of first team players out with injury and it got exacerbated with the fresh injury news of young striker Alvaro Morata, who suffered a knock in the 2-2 draw against England. Karim Benzema will be absent as he is still undergoing treatment for Sacroiliitis. New recruit Casemiro is also out with a long-term injury. Sergio Ramos is also certain to miss the game. Zidane will have a difficult time replacing them.
Predicted Lineups
Atletico Madrid- Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Koke, Saul, Carrasco; Torres, Griezmann
Real Madrid- Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Isco, Kovacic; James, Ronaldo, Bale
Key players
Atletico Madrid- Antonio Griezmann will no doubt be Atletico’s target man up front and with his current form he should be the man Real should be wary off. Griezmann has already scored 6 goals this season. Fernando Torres might get a chance alongside Griezmann and what better platform to announce his return.
Real Madrid- Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are two swords of Real that can cut through any shield. And with Luka Modric returning to fitness, he will be a crucial boost for Zidane’s side.
Odds
Atletico Madrid: 7/5
Draw: 23/10
Real Madrid: 2/1
