Prediction: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With all eyes falling on the Spanish capital this weekend, Real Madrid will welcome their bitter local rivals to the Bernabeu on Sunday night.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might still have Girona breathing down their neck, Los Blancos find themselves tipped as a standout contender to reclaim their La Liga crown in 2024. Last seen earlier in the week putting in another professional display as they secured a routine 2-0 victory away at local rivals Getafe, Carlo Ancleotti’s side are riding an extended wave of momentum. Finding a route back to the top of the table, the one-time Everton boss has seen his superstar squad win 10 of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 1-1 stalemate against Real Betis on December 9th. Looking to make another heavyweight statement here and cruising their way to a Champions League knockout stage ticket, Madrid have also gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. In fact, continuing on from last season, Ancelotti’s side are unbeaten in all of their last 15 straight La Liga showdown at the Bernabeu.

Team News

All still dealing with respective knee injuries, Real Madrid will once again be unable to call upon the likes of David Alaba, Eder Militao and former Chelsea shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois this weekend. However, handed a rest against Getafe earlier in the week, Spanish international Daniel Carvajal should be handed a full recall on Sunday night.

Bagging a brace in midweek and now notching five goals in his last seven domestic appearances across all competitions, one-time Newcastle misfit Joselu should keep his spot leading Madrid’s charge. Ukraine international Andriy Lunin will keep his spot between the sticks here.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have found themselves in the midst of a minor rut on either side of opening the New Year, Diego SImeone’s side have come roaring back. Putting in a dramatic display earlier in the week as they snatched a 2-1 victory at home against Rayo Vallecano in midweek, the former Spanish champions are enjoying an extended purple patch. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure last month as they secured an action-packed 4-2 victory against Los Blancos, Atletico have now won all of their past five domestic appearances across all competitions. Likewise, punching a Champions League knockout stage ticket and making a major European statement, Simeone’s men have also found a recent clinical edge in the final third. Including an eye-catching 2-0 win against European chasers Valencia last weekend, Sunday’s guests have bagged 19 strikes in their last eight showdowns.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Atletico Madrid will be unable to call upon the likes of Thomas Lemar, Jose Maria Gimenez and former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta this weekend. Missing out against Rayo Vallencano earlier in the week, Simeone’s men are once again sweating over the fitness of Spain skipper Alvaro Morata.

Finding the net in all of Atletico’s last three domestic appearances across all competitions, Dutch international Memphis Depay will keep his role leading Simeone’s charge. Handed a rest in midweek, French superstar Antoine Griezmann should be handed a full recall on Sunday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• The three meetings between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid this season have produced an astonishing 18 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Continuing on from last season, Real Madrid have collected 41 points from their previous 15 La Liga appearances on home soil.
• Atletico Madrid have won all of their previous five domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Simeone’s men have bagged 19 strikes in their last eight domestic appearances.
• All of the previous six meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

In what is a heavyweight Spanish showdown on Sunday night, neutrals could be treated to a thrilling affair from the capital. With the two bitter rivals producing 18 strikes in their three domestic showdowns this season, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast on Sunday night. With all of the previous six meetings between Real Madrid and Atletico finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome from the Bernabeu this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet