Last year’s Copa del Rey finalists square off in the semi-finals of the competition this time out, with the first leg set to be played at Santiago Bernabeu.

And given that every single match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid tend to deliver premium excitement, we should expect nothing less from this particular clash.

This is clearly the bad time to be facing one of Europe’s in-form teams as los Blancos have just suffered a serious blow to their title ambitions in La Liga.

Their ten-match winning run in all competitions came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Athletic Club, allowing their next opponents to open up a three-point cushion at the top.

To add insult to injury, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the process, and is now expected to miss next three league fixtures through suspension.

The Portuguese will, however, be eligible to face Atletico in Copa del Rey and he is 1.80 (4/5) to score at anytime.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be looking to get revenge on their arch rivals for the league defeat at the Bernabeu earlier in the season, with home win paying 1.91 (10/11).

Carlo Ancelotti should have Gareth Bale back to the side after he resumed full training, with Sami Khedira the only one missing.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao – Modric, Alonso – Bale, Isco, Ronaldo – Benzema.

Atletico Madrid have reached unimagined heights under Diego Simeone and they continue to impress fans and pundits alike.

After winning the Copa del Rey trophy last term, los Colchoneros have again reached the closing stages of the competition, while their league campaign is progressing much better than anyone could predict.

With 16 games to go, Atletico Madrid sit three points clear of El Clasico rivals at the top of the standings and they are 4.33 (10/3) to go all the way.

Following an impressive 4-0 triumph over Real Sociedad, los Colchoneros hope to continue the good run at Santiago Bernabeu, where they have won on the last two visits.

Taking also into account team’s excellent run of form, there may be some value in backing Atletico to win at 4.33 (10/3).

David Villa is set to miss out through a muscle injury, but Arda Turan is back to the side. Filipe Luis remains sidelined and Tiago Mendes is doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Insua – Diego, Koke, Gabi, Turan – Diego Costa, Garcia.