Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
This Sunday, fans all over the world will witness a new edition of the Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. With both sides having a lot ot play for both at the domestic and international stage, this is going to be a thrilling encounter in what has slowly become one of the top European rivalries in recent years.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid hit a rough patch at one point during the season and some fans wanted Zinedine Zidane to leave the side, but Los Merengues are flying high once again. Aside from sitting in third place in the Liga standings, their main focus should be in the UEFA Champions League where they hold a 3-0 lead over Juventus in the tournament’s quarterfinals. One would think they could rotate the side a bit in this one, but it’s a derby we are talking about. Los Blancos are also riding some good momentum at the league level thanks to four straight wins and while it might be too late to mount a title challenge, Madrid are set to capture another Champions League berth. That should be their focus until the end of the campaign. But one thing is clear: this game finds them in probably their best form of the entire campaign.
Team News
Real Madrid are almost at full strength ahead of this game.
Los Merengues will only have two absentees, as both Nacho and Jesus Vallejo have been ruled out. But no important players will miss on this pivotal derby.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have been Barcelona’s biggest threat to claim the Liga title, but it is time to be realistic now. Considering Los Blaugranas are all but set to win La Liga, Atletico’s best bet would be to try and secure the second place in the standings, They currently hold a four-point advantage over Real Madrid in that position, and have an 18-point lead over fifth-placed Real Betis so they have their Champions League berth for the upcoming season all but set. Los Colchoneros have been slightly inconsistent over their past five games – three wins and two draws – but for the most part they have done a proper job throughout the season. Even if they can’t win the title, this season should still be considered a success for them based on the fact that they have once again settled as a Top 3 team in Spain. That is not easy.
Team News
Brazilian international Filipe Luis has already been ruled out due to a leg injury.
Sime Vrsaljko (muscle) and Sergio Gonzalez (ankle) are doubtful. Both will be game-time decisions after undergoing late fitness tests on early Sunday.
Key Factors to Consider
- Three of the last five meetings between both clubs have ended with over 2,5 goals. However, only two of them have seen both teams scoring.
- Real Madrid have a slight edge over Atletico in recent matches, thanks to two wins, two draws and just one defeat.
- The prior meeting between both clubs earlier this season ended with a scoreless draw.
- Whatever is the final result, things won’t change in the Liga standings. Atletico have a four-point lead over Real Madrid in second place. At best, Los Merengues can shorten the gap to one point with seven games left in the schedule.
Conclusion
This Madrid derby will be an extremely intense one between two of the top teams in Europe. And even though the title race might be over, both sides have a lot at stake here.
Expect a very open game with over 2,5 goals scored.
Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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