Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

January 19, 2011
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Atletico squandered a one-goal advantage at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg and ended up losing the game 3:1 after some shocking defensive mistakes, but los Colchoneros still believe they can win this tie. Real are looking to make amends for the La Liga draw at Almeria and it would be a big surprise if they don’t qualify for the Copa del Rey semis.

Atletico won’t surrender

Atletico did lose the first leg at Santiago Bernabey by a two-goal difference as we have predicted, but they first gave Real a real value for their money and only lost the game after two cheap defensive mistakes, so there is no doubt los Colchoneros will try to get revenge on Real and beat the fierce rivals in front of the packed Vicente Calderon. Quique Sanchez Flores’ side recovered well from the Copa del Rey defeat as they beat Mallorca 3:0 in La Liga, once again proving their remarkable scoring prowess. Even with Kun Aguero on the sidelines, Atletico have more than enough players capable of getting on the scoresheet, and we expect them to extend the great scoring run in this highly anticipated clash.

Antonio Lopez is banned following the red card against Mallorca, whereas Kun Aguero and Mario Suarez remain sidelined.

La Liga title getting out of reach

Real Madrid have just suffered a big blow to their title aspirations as they failed to beat Almeria away, meaning los Merengues are now four points adrift of Barcelona, the team that dropped just five points in first nineteen games. Even though there is still a lot of games to be played, the odds are Real will again miss out on the league title, and seeing they desperately want to win a trophy this season, los Merengues are likely to focus all their attention on Copa del Rey. Jose Mourinho’s men are hot favourites to make it to the semis after overturning a one-goal deficit to win the first leg 3:1, while another victory would definitely serve as a confidence boost following the slip-up against Almeria.

Lassana Diarra and Mahamadou Diarra have been left out of the squad, while Dudek, Higuain and Pepe are out injured. Esteban Granero is expected to partner Xabi Alonso in the centre of the park, while Fernando Gago is also in contention.

Verdict

We expect another open game between two attack-minded teams, meaning the visitors at Vicente Calderon won’t be deprived of goals. Atletico have got to attack from the off considering they are two goals behind, and seeing that both sides boast impressive attackers, our advice is to back both teams to score.

Our prediction:
Both teams to score

Odds: 1.50 (1/2)

Bookmaker: Bodog

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