The Spanish top-flight this weekend will be headlined by the match-up between Madrid rivals Real and Atletico. Many experts in Spain are of the opinion that Atletico is closing the gap on their superior city rivals as Diego Simeone looks to take the club to the next level.
The Spanish top-flight this weekend will be headlined by the match-up between Madrid rivals Real and Atletico. Many experts in Spain are of the opinion that Atletico is closing the gap on their superior city rivals as Diego Simeone looks to take the club to the next level.
Real no doubt, will be favoured to come away with a victory but Atletico is on top of their game and has lots of confidence after defeating Real Madrid in last season’s Copa del Rey final. They now have the belief that they can overthrow Real after a 14 year wait to get their first victory over the Galacticos.
Atletico are on top of their game registering six victories from six La Liga games, flying under the radar as Real Madrid and Barcelona always get the headlines. Simeone’s men has great belief in themselves and are aiming to separate the ‘Big Two’ in Spain and this may be their chance to make a huge statement. Despite winning all their games so far this season, Atletico need a signature win to announce themselves as a serious threat to the domination of Real and Barcelona.
Real Madrid on the other hand struggled against Elche with Ronaldo scoring an extra-time penalty which could give them a bit of momentum coming into this tough fixture. The Galacticos will be hoping to recall Gareth Bale to their squad to add to the threat Ronaldo, Isco and Angel Di Maria. Carlo Ancelotti knows this is the toughest test for his team so far this season and will be asking nothing less from his stars than a great performance and a victory.
Atletico has some attacking threat as well with Diego Costa scoring seven goals already which is more than that of Ronaldo. They also have David Villa, Arda Turan and Koke in their ranks with the security of Thibaut Courtois in goal as well as Jaoa Miranda. It’s a team that has the ability to push Real all the way and is good enough to get a result at the Santiago Bernabeau.
Real is struggling at the back as Sergio Ramos and Pepe are not performing at the level expected of them. Also, Ancelotti seems to be still be seeking his best partnership in the defensive midfield area. Luka Modric, Asier Illarramendi, Casemiro and Sami Khedira have all gotten their chances in the absence of Xabi Alonso who is out due to injury. However, Isco is a danger going forward, scoring four times so far this season. Ronaldo, Di Maria and Karim Benzema are also a threat in the attacking third and will need to be on top of their game against a very good Atletico defense.
Atletico has won more trophies recently than Real Madrid. In fact, Diego Simeone won more in eighteen months than Jose Mourinho did in three years. Atletico is currently above Real in the La Liga table so they will fancy their chances to get a victory in the Bernabeau. Simeone will demand a victory as he now sees his team as genuine title contenders. Real on the other hand must defend home turf. They cannot afford to drop more points and allow the Blaugrana to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Writer: Yashiema Love
Photo: Ronaldo (AP)
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