v
Real Madrid
Estadio Vicente CalderA?n, Madrid
Sunday, 3rd October 2015
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Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head-to-head for the first time this season in what promises to be an exciting derby encounter.
Atletico Madrid may not have made a flying start to their season but they have shown glimpses of promise so far. The Rojiblancos prepare to host Real Madrid on Sunday in a clash that promises to be full of intensity and excitement from start-to-finish. Atletico Madrid have a great chance to prove that they are a serious contender for the title this season as they will be looking forward to host Rafael Benitez for the first time at the Vicente Calderon this season. while most teams get sweaty at the thought of hosting Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid might just have been looking forward to this day. For the last two seasons, Diego Simeonea s side have managed to evade defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the league. The Argentine will be hoping to continue that run and come out with three points on Sunday night. However, Atletico Madrid are on a bad run of form having lost their last two games to Villarreal in La Liga and Benfica in the Champions League.
Real Madrid come into this game with a chance to get themselves closer to the top of the table. Los Blancos, who are undefeated so far this season, dropped from the top to the fourth place after drawing level to Malaga last weekend. However, they picked form in the midweek fixture with a 2-0 win over lowly Malmo. Rafael Benitez will be hoping to get his big guns to start firing again after the Spaniard has received a lot of scrutiny for his conservative playing style. Sundaya s game is Beniteza s biggest test so far ever since he joined as Real Madrida s head coach. He will be hoping to end the Whitesa winless streak against the local rivals and return home with three points.
With their biggest title rivals, Barcelona, having lost their game against Sevilla on Saturday, both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid will be highly motivated to win this one.
Team News and Tactics
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Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone will be preparing his boys to put their best foot forward on Sunday. Atletico Madrid are expected to perform with high levels of intensity and they will force Real Madrid to get involved in the game physically. The biggest strength of Atletico lies in the back four and their ability to out power their opponents. A rash game is expected from the Rojiblancos with the home crowd supporting them as they will look to make every Real Madrid eat some mud at least once in the entire 90 minutes.
The biggest problem for Atletico Madrid lies in the fact that midfielder Koke will miss out the fixture. The Spaniard is suffering from a hamstring injury. Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is expected to start on the big night ahead of new-recruit Jackson Martinez, who hasna t yet been living up to the hype.
Probable Line-Up: Oblak; GA?mez, God n, Gim nez, Luis; Niguez, Tiago, Oliver, Gabi; Griezmann, Torres;
Real Madrid
Real Madrida s focus from the start of the season has been on not allowing their opponents to find the back of the net. Los Blancos have so far conceded only one goal this season with only Athletic Bilbao managing to penetrate past their defence. Sundaya s derby will prove to be the real test for the Real Madrid defenders. Beniteza s focus will be on maintaining a clean sheet and getting his team to score a goal or two.
Benitez has lost many players to injuries since he took over the Real Madrid job. However, the Spaniard will be a happy man on Sunday as both Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale have been named in the squad travelling to the Calderon. Both the players are expected to start but Colombian James Rodriguez will miss the match along with Pepe and Danilo.
Probable Line-Up: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric; Isco, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema;
Key stats
- Real Madrid have beaten Atletico Madrid just once in their last 6 meetings.
- Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 16 matches in La Liga.
- Atletico Madrid are undefeated in 35 of their last 38 home games in the league.
- Player to watch out for
Cristiano Ronaldo
Prediction
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid
It will be an exciting game for the spectators as both teams will play at their highest physical level. Though a difficult game to predict, we can expect Real Madrid to scrape past their local rivals and come home with the three points taking the two teams recent form into consideration.
Blast from the past
