Real Madrid look to close in on second placed Atletico Madrid in Madrid Derby
Kick-off : 4:15 PM (Local)
Venue : Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Real Madrid will be confident going into the Madrid Derby as they come on the back of a resounding 3-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday. It was a game in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal from the bicycle kick.
Los Blancos are currently 3rd in La Liga after 30 games with 63 points. They trail table toppers and rivals Barcelona by 13 points. Real Madrid can close in on the second place if they beat Atletico Madrid on Sunday with latter being 4 points ahead.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid are doing well in the Europa League and will be hoping for triumph. They defeated Sporting 2-0 on Thursday night.
Atleti will be eager for success in the Madrid Derby as it will propel them 7 points ahead of Real Madrid and 6 points behind Barcelona.
Real Madrid by the way are ahead on the head to head overall against Atletico Madrid. Los Blancos have won 32 games compared to Atleti’s mere 9 out of the 60 matches played between them since as far as 1993. 19 other games have been a draw.
Team news and possible line-ups
Antoine Griezmann and Vitolo are both back from bans for Atletico Madrid and are likely to play tomorrow’s game.
As for Real Madrid, Nacho will not be available for the weekend game as due to injury.
Atletico Madrid XI : Oblak, Godin, Luis, Savic, Juanfran, Partey, Koke, Saul, Gabi, Griezmann, Torres.
Real Madrid XI : Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Vazquez, Asensio, Ronaldo, Benzema.
Prediction
I expect Real Madrid to come out on top with their home advantage. I think they will win 2-1.
