Prediction: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

6th November 2010

The first Madrid derby of the season is generating massive attention, which is hardly a surprise seeing that both sides are doing really well this season. Following the four-match winning run, Real come into the game as La Liga leaders, but they will have to be wary of Atletico and their impressive firepower with Diego Forlan and Kun Aguero leading the line.

Just like every summer in the past few years, Real have invested piles of cash into new players, but this season it is finally paying results, with Jose Mourinho the man making it all possible. Los Merengues started the season slowly but their form kept going upwards and they now deservedly sit at the top of the table. Mourinho sorted out the back line without taking too much from team’s attacking prowess and, after quite a while, this team finally have some balance. Outstanding Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to compensate for the poor form of Higuain and Benzema, while Ozil and Di Maria has proven their potential and helped make the team a real force to be reckoned with. Seeing that Real won all four home games in La Liga this season, scoring 16 and conceding just 2 goals in the process, they simply have to be considered favourites in this match. Mourinho has got some selection problems with both Higuain and Pepe doubtful after picking up knocks against Milan, but all other players are fit to face Atletico.

Atletico are in much ways similar to Real, as far as the transfer policy is concerned, as they, too, were investing a lot of money in new players, but without result. The players were constantly coming and going with los Colchoneros unable to find any consistency, but once the club chiefs decided to give this team a chance, they were soon rewarded for their efforts. Atletico ended last season by winning the Europa League and then started this one by beating Inter in the European Super Cup, showing this side really have potential. The team continued playing well in both Spain and Europe, albeit with minor slip ups, and they are now well positioned before the big derby. With Aguero, Forlan, Simao and back to contention Reyes in the attacking department, I wouldn’t bet against Atletico scoring in this match, but los Colchoneros face massive problems on the other end. With first choice centre-back pairing Godin-Perea unavailable for this match, the visitors will have their work cut out for them against the best attack in La Liga, thus their chances of avoiding defeat at Santiago Bernabeu are not that high after all.

Conclusion

Real look unstoppable at the moment, especially at their Bernabeu with Ronaldo, Benzema and co. set to terrorize Atletico’s second string defence. The attacking partnership of Aguero and Forlan is likely to produce at least one goal but they won’t be able to score more than Real, that’s for sure. Even at such pathetic odds, this is a clear home win for me.

Verdict: Home win Real Madrid (1)

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: 888sport