The Madrid derby, one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in La Liga, is set to light up the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on February 4, 2024, at 9 p.m. WAT.
As Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid prepare to clash, the football world turns its attention to what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, leading La Liga with 14 goals, and Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata, closely trailing with 13 goals, are set to be the focal points of this high-stakes match. Their performances could very well dictate the pace and outcome of the game.
Recent Form and Possible Lineups
Real Madrid has been in formidable form, showcasing a solid defensive structure coupled with lethal attacking prowess. Their possible lineup might include Courtois in goal, flanked by Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, and Mendy in defense.
The midfield could see Modric, Casemiro, and Kroos pulling the strings, with Benzema leading the attack supported by Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham.
Atletico Madrid, known for their gritty and robust playing style under Diego Simeone, might line up with Oblak guarding the net, backed by a defense of Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, and Lodi. Koke, Saul, and Llorente could form the midfield trio, with Griezmann, Morata, and Carrasco leading the offensive line.
Historical Rivalry and Head-to-Head Record
The Madrid derby is a fixture rich in history and rivalry, with both teams having their fair share of wins, losses, and draws.
Historically, Real Madrid has had the upper hand, but Atletico Madrid has proven time and again that they can upset the odds, especially in crucial matches.
Playing Styles and Tactics
Real Madrid tends to dominate possession and utilize the width of the pitch, creating chances through intricate passing and the pace of their wingers.
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Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, is more conservative, preferring a compact defensive setup and hitting opponents on the counter.
Betting Tip
Given the current form and historical performances, a tight match is expected. However, Real Madrid are slightly favored here due to home advantage and offensive firepower, but Atletico's resilience should not be underestimated. A low-scoring affair with Real Madrid narrowly edging it could be a plausible outcome.
Prediction
Real Madrid might just have the edge in this encounter, potentially securing a 2-1 victory.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the action live on the Supersport channel via DSTV