Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Preview

September 28, 2018
By: Daniel Orme

Julen Lopetegui’s Real Madrid face arguably their biggest test of the season so far at the weekend as they take on fierce rivals Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos, currently in second in the La Liga table, welcome third-placed Atleti to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening for the second Madrid derby of the season in a match which could go a long way in deciding who will claim the La Liga crown come the end of the season. Unsurprisingly, the hosts are listed as the favourites to claim maximum points with odds of 23/20 with BetVictor. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s troops can be backed at 13/5, with a draw at 5/2. The latter could yet be the smartest bet considering that three out of the last four clashes ending in a stalemate.

One aspect that could be interesting is whether Real are able to find the back of the net. They were beaten 3-0 at Sevilla last time out and if they fail to find the net at the weekend, it would be the first time in seven years that they have failed to score in consecutive La Liga games. The away side have also kept a clean sheet in three out of the last five games between Real and Atleti. As a result, Atletico are priced at 11/2 to win to nil with Coral.

Even more intriguingly, Real have struggled historically against their fierce rivals. Los Blancos have only managed to pick up one win in their last ten clashes against Atleti. Whilst it will still be an extremely tough test for the visitors to claim a result away from home, they will take confidence from their win against Real earlier in the season. Los Rojiblancos won 4-2 in extra-time in the UEFA Super Cup with Diego Costa bagging a brace.

The Spaniard is naturally one of the favourites to open the scoring at the Bernabaeu. He can be backed at 13/2 with BetVictor to notch the first goal. Elsewhere, Gareth Bale, who has so far plundered three goals and provided two assists so far this season, is the favourite to score first from a Real perspective. His odds currently sit at 4/1.

In relation to injuries, Santiago Arias and Jose Gimenez have both been struggling with a rib and muscle injury respectively. However, both have returned to training so could potentially feature at the Bernabeu. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are doubts for the hosts due to a muscle and calf injury.

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