An age-old rivalry, one which mimics stories of royalty and commoner. It’s the Madrid Derby!
To Win Match
Real Madrid 8/10 | Draw 26/10 | Atletico Madrid 34/10
Real Madrid
Real Madrid goes into this game trailing league leaders Barcelona by a steep eight points. A lot has been made of Los Blancos’ season thus far, but I am in agreeance in that they have been largely rather poor. Of course, this is an estimation based on the usual expectations associated with Real Madrid…but I don’t think the story ends there, especially not from a gambling perspective!
If ever there was a team who even in their darkest days knows how to pitch up and compete on the biggest stage, it is Madrid. We’ve seen them win Champions League titles on the back of dismal domestic performances and I think the same goes for a derby with a bitter old rival.
Coming into the game, Madrid have conceded no domestic goals and have scored six in their previous two games. It’s no doubt the sort of statistic you want, especially when the opposition has built a dynasty and small, compact, and aggressive defending.
It’s a derby of attack against defence and it deserves the attention of football lovers everywhere. I suppose it helps that the odds are as attractive as they are…
Predicted Line-up: Courtois, Alaba, Nacho, Rudiger, Militao, Ceballos, Camavinga, Modric, Junior, Rodrygo, Valverde.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico have been the poster child of inconsistency this season – and I join in with the frustration of punters all over. They currently languish in fourth place in La Liga (10 points off their hosts), but you never know what side will show up on the day.
Memphis Depay has hit the ground running in the capital and offers his side a fresh and dynamic attacking threat. For a team who appreciates the art of shutting an opponent out, having a weapon upfront capable of holding up play or running in behind isn’t something to take for granted.
Diego Simeone is an unapologetic manager who has invested in a system which earns him success, in Depay, he has a player who won’t be phased by the inconsistent service Atleti can provide. They will know Madrid will dictate play and apply early pressure, but if the games turn into a roulette of shape – there is only one winner.
Coming into the game unbeaten in their last four games, and only last tasting defeat to Madrid in the Cup, retribution might be a dish best served cold and might give this game the extra bite it needs to explode into action.
There is never any love lost when these two clash and Saturday won’t be much different.
Predicted Line-up: Oblak, Molina, Gimenez, Hermoso, Mandava, Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Carrasco, Correa, Griezmann.
Verdict: Atletico + Under 2.5 goals (15/2)
I don’t expect this prediction to be backed by popular demand, but I think Atletico win a largely low-scoring game here. Real Madrid have shown lapses in their creativity when asked to break teams down. I suspect Atleti will be well-structured and incredibly stubborn.
Marrying this with a dynamic option upfront in Griezmann and Depay, Carrasco and Correa – they might pose a serious threat to Real overcommitting numbers in attacking frustration!
