Sunday 18 September | Metropolitano Stadium | 21:00
A clash which usually brings out the very best – and at times the very worst – of these two teams. Two proud Spanish clubs steep in history clash in the capital over the weekend. It’s truly one of the crown jewels of La Liga and it’s being served up nice and early, let’s get stuck in here!
To Win (90 mins)
Atletico Madrid 7/4
Draw 47/20
Real Madrid 16/10
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid has had a season so far which is neither here nor there. They aren’t exactly in a position where you think they are out of the running to compete for the league – and yet they aren’t exactly putting their hand up to compete for the league early on, writes Ryan Liberty.
I worry a little for the clarity and certainty which isn’t likely to be apparent at Atletico though. There is seemingly still a cloud which follows the story around Joao Felix and his apparent link to Manchester United – and whilst admittedly I might be clutching, there feels as though there is more to that story.
In a year where so many teams are being ‘found out’ and forced to consider adaption, Atleti seem to remain resolute in their identity. Grinding out 1-0 victories against Valencia on the road but also showing their impotence and putting four past Celta Vigo.
Consistency might still prove to be questionable for Diego Simeone’s chargers but in a game such as this, you know his passion and streetfighter spirit is going to be a guiding light. The manager will know that a result against their bitter rivals does wonders for galvanizing the belief in the camp and the desire to continue competing for the next few games.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see cards aplenty for the hosts and the game being made into a ‘ugly’ (I suppose that depends on which side of the fence you are) affair. Atleti stand their best chance at success here by turning this into a scrap and as far away from a football match as possible – Cholo will certainly know that.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid came into this game with an unblemished record. They have scored an impressive 15 goals this season and only conceded on five occasions. Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked incredibly dangerous, they went forward with devasting skill, ability, pace and intention and then defended with grit and determination as though their season depended on it.
I don’t usually associate an all-out defensive fight with the royal side of Madrid – but in the interests of giving credit where it is undoubtedly due, they have been mightily impressive so far. Players like Karim Benzema continue to dominate the media space throughout Europe and there is a good reason for that. The talent and ability of the Frenchman is largely unmatched at times but to still be competing at the very highest level at the age of 34 deserves recognition.
Such recognition is usually associated with other incredible players, but you get the feeling Benzema isn’t always held in the same regard…
I must be honest; I am surprised that the price available on a Real Madrid win is what it is. I worry that Atletico will struggle to match their hosts if they are allowed to impose their championship winning style on this derby early on. Real have firepower in almost every position and that makes them a difficult side to defend against them.
Prediction: Real Madrid (16/10)
I really enjoy Atletico and I hope they do well this season, but I can’t see an away win here. Atletico will have no choice but to defend deep and try and counter, but to do that effectively I think they concede too much space to a side who have so much quality in midfield and upfront.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see it become cagey, but ultimately the away side come away with all three.
