Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head to head this weekend with both pride and second place in La Liga at stake for the victors.
Atletico have performed above all expectations this season and spent a large part of the campaign ahead of their city rivals in the league table.
History is not on Atletico’s side as they have not beaten Real since 1999, have lost their last nine meetings and manager Diego Simeone has never tasted victory in the league since taking charge.
However, there was some positive news for Simeone ahead of the game when striker Diego Costa’s yellow card from last weekend was overturned on appeal, meaning he will not have to serve a suspension and will be able to play.
Real have not been focusing on the league campaign in recent weeks due to Barcelona’s lead at the top and the possibility of a 10th European Cup title, and following their defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their semi-final first leg boss Jose Mourinho may field a weakened side to enable them to prepare for a crucial second leg.
That means the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil could be rested so they are fresh for next week’s return match with Dortmund as Mourinho plots a way back into the tie.
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