Tonight, the football lovers around the world focus on Cívitas Metropolitano to watch the match between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid that will be among the most anticipated derbies in the new La Liga season. The Madrid Derby is always a great event, it has tradition, it holds a lot of emotions involved and has so much in-stakes. Since both the teams are still in La Liga, currently occupying the first place the header will not only be a Catalonian affair but also crucial in determining who’s the better title contender.
Current Standings and Form
Before the derby, Real Madrid need four points behind the Barca and stay in the second place of La Liga table with seventeen points. They have not lost a game so far after seven games with five games and two games drawn and their last match they played against Deportivo Alavés they only won by 3-2.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid, which is led by their spiritual figure Diego Simeone, has 15 points and occupies the third place. They too have drawn their seven matches with four wins and four losses. This season, the team has scored just three goals, characteristically solid ground for Atletico due to their well-known unwavering defense.Injuries and Missing Players
The two teams reported to the match with a number of players under different forms of injuries; this factor may greatly influence the result of the match. Real Madrid will have no Mbappé in today’s match because the player has a recent injury. The French star has gradually rising impact for the club since his arrival but will be benched for this one leaving most of the goal-scoring pressure to Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo.
José María Giménez, one of Atlético Madrid’s strongest pillars in the defense, is out due to a muscle injury. In addition, fitness issues will probably see Memphis Depay and Reinildo Mandava benched for the upcoming match. However, Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez are likely to spearhead the Atlético’s attack and this poses a real threat to Real Madrid especially if their defense as usual melts down.Probable Lineups
Given the injuries and recent form, here are the projected starting lineups for both teams:
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
Defenders: César Azpilicueta, Stefan Savić, Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina
Midfielders: Rodrigo, De Paul, Marcos Llorente, Saúl Ñíguez and Thomas Lemar
Forwards: The assistant strikers are Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez.
Oblak will of course be behind the posts while Simeone’s formation will be massively defensive in the hope of catching Real Madrid on the break and at set pieces. Griezmann and Álvarez will play decisive roles in coming with breakthroughs in the defense of Madrid team.
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Fran García
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham.
Forwards: Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Joselu
Many would agree that with Mbappé out of the picture, Madrid will set up a fast pressing style of play, based mainly on possession, where Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo will start as forwards. You are likely to find that Bellingham will feature mostly roaming between the midfield and attack line in the team’s formation, while Valverde and Camavinga bring youthful enthusiasm and versatility.
Tactical Battle: Attack vs. Defense
Here, we have one fascinating tactical confrontation in this match after another. Real Madrid have fixed tactics under coach Ancelotti wed move from defense to attack with quick changes and good ball possession. However, as it was mentioned before, Madrid has problems with injuries when it comes to its forwards but they still remain one of the most prolific in Europe.
In contrast, the De Roovers’ side will probably go back to the basics of Atleti where they pack their defense and let the opposition control the possession while waiting for chances in the counterattacks. Part of being a Simeone’s team is the never-say-die attitude this team exhibited this year. Having let in three goals in the league so far, they will hope to spoil Madrid’s party by sitting deep and hoping to hit their fast-paced forwards Griezmann and Álvarez on the counter.
Atlético’s Defensive Strength: Jan Oblak led the defense of Atletico Madrid that has been inspiring throughout. They have recorded five shutouts in the last six games, and Simeone will count on his Real Madrid’s Firepower: In any case, Madrid’s attack is a fearsome one, having scored 16 goals in this league season already. Vinícius Jr. is a player on scorching hot streak, and having the skill of Jude Bellingham in the midfield will be a good decision in stealing the ball and creating dangerous attacks against Atletico.
Key Players to Watch
1. Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid): Everyone has waited to see this French forward be the play-making weapon used by the counter attacking Atlético. In a nutshell, his large heartedness and experience in big match he is one such player who can alter the fate of the game with one single stroke.
2. Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid): Vinícius, of course, is Madrid’s number one forward weapon after losing Mbappé in the team’s attack line. The speed, ball control and the manner in which he finds pockets of space will be very vital when attacking Atlético.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The young English midfielder has been outstanding for Madrid as he has been acting as playmaker in the mid of the park. Against a low-pressing Atlético they will need his vision, his passing range, and the fact that he scores decisive goals when he is on the pitch.
The Stakes
If Real Madrid were to emerge victorious then they would be maintaining a healthy position as Barcelona’s direct competitors for the title, while increasing the length of their unbeaten streak and closing up in points with the Montila based outfit. In turn, while a Real Madrid win would help the team remain six points ahead of their city rivals, an Atlético Madrid win would ensure that the latter is on the same points as the former while confidence them for the rest of the season.
Prediction
Two good teams are combining well and although both have been reduced by injuries, the football is promising a well-contested match. Expect a tight contest but the presence of options on the bench may help Real Madrid edge their opponents from North London. However, with Simeone at the helm of the Rojiblancos, a rout was never out of the equation while a draw could also be expected.
Final Prediction: Soccer match between the two ended 1-1; both teams fired goals, but neither could penetrate the other side strongly.
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