The highly anticipated Madrid Derby returns this Saturday evening as Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu. With only one point separating the two teams at the top of the La Liga table, this match is shaping up to be a pivotal encounter in the Spanish title race.
Real Madrid’s Current Form & Team News
Carlo Ancelotti's squad might not have been at their absolute best this season, but they remain the La Liga leaders while competing in multiple tournaments. After securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey, Los Blancos now shift their focus back to domestic league action.
However, a shock 1-0 defeat to Espanyol last weekend has tightened the title race, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both within striking distance.
On the injury front, Real Madrid has received a massive boost with the expected return of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez, and Eduardo Camavinga for this derby. Unfortunately, Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined, along with long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.
Predicted Real Madrid Starting XI:
Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
Atletico Madrid’s Current Form & Team News
Atletico Madrid has defied expectations this season, emerging as serious La Liga title contenders while also advancing to the Champions League knockout rounds and the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Diego Simeone’s men are in red-hot form, coming off a dominant 5-0 win over Getafe and a 2-0 victory over Mallorca.
Despite their strong run, Atletico Madrid faces a tough challenge at the Bernabeu, where Real Madrid has won nine out of ten league games this season. However, Atletico is unbeaten in their last four league meetings against Real Madrid, making them a formidable opponent.
Atletico will be without Robin Le Normand due to suspension, but Pablo Barrios returns from injury, strengthening their midfield.
Predicted Atletico Madrid Starting XI:
Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Griezmann
Head-to-Head & Match Prediction
The last two La Liga encounters between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have both ended in 1-1 draws, reflecting the closely matched nature of these teams. The same scoreline was recorded at the Bernabeu last season, and Atletico Madrid hasn’t won a league match at this stadium since 2016.
Given both sides' form and strengths, another 1-1 draw seems likely, with neither team willing to give up crucial points in this title race.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
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