The Hard Tackle lists three players who can have a positive impact when Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid lock horns on Thursday.
The Copa del Rey has resumed this week with the Round of 16, with the latest stage ending on Thursday. The day will bring us the marquee fixture of the Last 16, with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid locking horns at the Civitas Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid reached the Copa del Rey Round of 16 by beating Lugo 3-1 in the previous stage. But they have won only two of their last six games, with the inconsistent run dropping them to fifth in La Liga. In addition, Los Rojiblancos went down to Real Madrid last week in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final.
Speaking of Real Madrid, the Merengues have been imperious this season, losing only one game. That said, that defeat came to Atletico Madrid in La Liga in the early stages of the 2023/24 season. But they have not been on the wrong end of the result since then, going 21 games unbeaten across all competitions. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have also won the Spanish Super Cup in that time.
Despite the gulf in form and performance levels, derbies often tend to be close, as was the case in last week’s meeting. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players whose performances will hold the key in El Derbi Madrileno on Thursday.
Antoine Griezmann
Before we get underway, we should tell you that today’s list has an entirely offensive-minded theme. The first two names are the talismans of their respective clubs, and we begin with Antoine Griezmann.
The French international has been arguably the best player in La Liga since rejoining Atletico Madrid from Barcelona. Griezmann’s stint with Barcelona might not have gone as he would have envisioned. But he has been nothing short of brilliant after returning to his old stomping ground.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has found his footing and often runs the show for Atletico Madrid. The hosts will demand more of the same from him on Thursday as they look to get past Real Madrid and reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The 32-year-old will also be out to bolster his sub-par tally against Real Madrid, managing only ten goals and eight assists in 39 outings thus far. The Frenchman has won only nine games versus Los Blancos, meaning he will be itching to set the record straight this midweek.
Vinicius Junior
Our list continues with the Real Madrid talisman, as we iterated in the previous section. So, the next candidate is Vinicius Junior, who has returned to action with a bang since recovering from his latest injury.
Fitness issues have troubled the Brazilian international this season, restricting him to only 16 appearances thus far. But he has contributed to 13 goals in those appearances, including the match-winning hat-trick against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
But the last few days have produced bizarre reports of a possible move away from Real Madrid, with Manchester United showing interest in him. Those suggestions might be unfounded, and the 23-year-old remains focused on the job at hand.
The Real Madrid talisman has regained his form, fitness, and sharpness in no time. He revels in the biggest games, and Vinicius will be the main man to take Real Madrid to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals at the expense of Atletico Madrid.
Alvaro Morata
Our offensive-minded theme continues as we round off our list. And as is usually the case in these columns, we have picked a second player from the underdog team. So, the third candidate is Alvaro Morata.
The Spanish international has considerable history with Real Madrid, having graduated from the club’s youth division. But he could not establish a foothold and become an undisputed first-choice starter in two stints with Los Blancos.
But Morata’s fortunes have been on a topsy-turvy ride since leaving Real Madrid, blowing hot and cold during his stints with Chelsea, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid. Nonetheless, he has put those struggles behind him, amassing 17 goals and three assists thus far this term.
The 31-year-old has a decent record against Real Madrid, scoring five times in ten outings. But he has won only two games against his former club and will be eager to correct that by taking Atletico Madrid to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
