The Madrid derby resumes on Saturday afternoon, when Atletico travel across the city to take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. The last meeting between the two sides ended with Real emerging victorious, winning 3-0, but the headlines were dominated by one man. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the game, becoming the first player to score three in a game in the Madrid derby since April 2012.
Real Madrid are in imperious form at the top of the La Liga table and they’ve won six games in a row in all competitions. They played out a six-goal thriller against Leganes on Wednesday night, leaving with a 4-2 victory, with goals coming from James Rodriguez and a hat-trick from Alvaro Morata. They’ve also recorded victories over Alaves, Athletic Bilbao, Real Betis, Napoli and Eibar in this run, scoring 18 goals at an average of three per game.
Los Blancos sit atop of La Liga, holding a two point lead over Barcelona with a game in hand and a 10-point lead over Atletico, however it’ll be local bragging rights on display on Saturday afternoon.
Atletico, meanwhile, have won five of their last six games in all competitions, with the only other result being a goalless draw at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16. They played Real Sociedad at home on Tuesday night, winning 1-0, thanks to a goal from Filipe Luis.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid Predictions
This match looks tough to call and form guides go out of the window when there’s a derby concerned, however Real Madrid should overcome their city rivals. Resting Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo was sensible from Zidane and with the trio all fit and fresh, they should prove too much for Atletico.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid Betting Tips
- Real Madrid to win: 20/27
- Draw: 27/10
- Atletico Madrid to win: 7/2
- Cristiano Ronaldo to score 2 or more goals: 27/10
- Gareth Bale to score first: 17/4
Head to Head
- Real Madrid have won their last six games in all competitions.
- Atletico Madrid have five wins and one draw from their last six games.
- Real Madrid have won three of the last five meetings between the two sides, including last year’s Champions League final.
- Atletico haven’t beaten Real in the last five meetings between the two teams.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 18 goals against Atletico in all competitions.
Real Madrid Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema didn’t travel with the matchday squad to face Leganes on Wednesday, but they’re all expected to return to the starting line-up for the derby. Toni Kroos also sat out that game. Raphael Varane and Pepe are also both available, however Fabio Coentrao remains a doubt.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Diego Simeone has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s derby and Antoine Griezmann is fit to play.
