Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid will lock horns in the first El Derbi Madrileño of the season. Real Madrid will try to stretch their winning run to six when they visit the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday night. But, it will not be a walk in the park for Los Blancos as they have returned with only one win in their last five trips to their city rivals’ turf. Mr. Bulister, your most reliable football betting tips expert, shares his thoughts on the upcoming La Liga showpiece clash between the two Madrid sides.
Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid are already playing catch up to their biggest title rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona after five gameweeeks. The Rojiblancos have put 10 points on the board from their first five outings, while Barcelona amassed 13 and Real Madrid picked up all available 15 points.
The midweek 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League was the last thing Atlético boss Diego Simeone would have wanted ahead of a crunch clash with Real Madrid. But now the Argentine tactician must find a way to inspire his team against the reigning champions of Spain and Europe.
Jan Oblak’s return to the first XI could have boosted the home side’s morale substantially. But the seasoned shot-stopper is likely to miss out once again after failing the fitness test before the Bayer Leverkusen game. Defender José María Giménez sit out with a back injury while a thigh injury will rule out Stefan Savić’s involvement.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have picked up where they left off last season. They have had the perfect start to their quest to defend their European and Spanish crowns. Till now they have won all the matches they have played in La Liga and the Champions League.
Real kept up the momentum by seeing off RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday. After a goalless first half, Carlo Ancelotti’s men dealt the first blow through a Federico Valverde strike.Valverde’s goal came as a saving grace for Real Madrid, who could not take a shot on target in the first 80 minutes. Marcos Alonso put the game to bed by adding another late goal.
Karim Benzema’s absence was clearly felt against Leipzig. The Frenchman has missed the matches following Madrid’s Champions League visit to Celtic. The Ballon d’Or nominee is stull nursing a muscular problem and is expected to miss the Atlético game. Lucas Vazquez and Eder Militao are also doubts.
Our Prediction
Wanda Metropolitano has not been a happy hunting ground for Real Madrid. On top of that, Benzema’s potential absence will severely compromise Madrid’s attacking threat against a resolute Atlético backline. We expect a 1-1 draw in this game.
Our Tips
Draw @ 3.70
