Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Betting Preview

Kick-off: Saturday, November 16 @7:45 PM GMT

Venue: Estadio Wanda Metropolitano (Madrid)

Head to head record

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid 2-1 (2016/2017 Champions League)
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid 3-0 (2016/2017 Champions League)
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid 1-1 (2016/2017 La Liga)
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid 0-3 (2016/2017 La Liga)
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid 1-1 (2015/2016 Champions League)

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid prediction

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid face each other in the first Madrid derby of the season on Saturday evening. The two teams are level on points in the La Liga standings ahead of the local derby and a close encounter is on the horizon at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

Rojiblancos trying to find their form

Over the years Atletico Madrid have established themselves as one of the best teams in Spanish La Liga. Los Rojiblancos represent Spain in the Champions League on regular basis, but they have been struggling in the elite competition this term. Diego Simeone’s men are on the verge of suffering elimination in the group stages of the Champions League and, on the other hand, they sit in fourth place in the La Liga standings ahead of the local derby against Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid failed to impress in their last league fixture against Deportivo La Coruna, but thanks to Thomas Partey’s late goal they eventually picked up all three points from the match. Nonetheless, los Rojiblancos will have to be at their sharpest in Saturday’s showdown against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. if they are to emerge triumphant in el Derbi Madrlieno.

Filipe Luis has recovered in time to face Real Madrid, whilst Lucas Hernandez is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the match day. Koke is likely to return to the starting XI after missing the Deportivo La Coruna game with injury.

CR7 completely lost

Real Madrid did remarkably well to win La Liga last season and they are on a quest to defend their title. Los Blancos, though, have been struggling in the Spanish top flight this term and it has to be noted that key player Cristiano Ronaldo has netted no more than one goal in the league to date. The lack of confidence seems to be the main problem for CR7 at the moment, but Saturday’s clash against Atletico Madrid could be the turning point for the Portuguese ace, who was rested in Portugal’s friendly games against Saudi Arabia and the United States of America. Zinedine Zidane’s troops are eight points behind league leaders Barcelona ahead of the Madrid derby and this has to go down as a must-win game for the title holders. Karim Benzema has been struggling to find his goal-scoring touch as well, but the French attacker is likely to lead the line for the visitors against Atletico Madrid.

Gareth Bale remains in the recovery room, but midfielder Isco should be fit to face Atletico Madrid at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano. First-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas has yet to overcome his injury.

Interesting Facts

• Atletico Madrid are on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions
• Under 2.5 goals were scored in each of Atletico’s last four home games in the league
• Real Madrid failed to keep a clean sheet in last four away games in La Liga
• Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 away win over Atletico Madrid last season
• CR7 netted his only goal of the season in a 2-1 win over Getafe

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid betting pick

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, who face each other for the first time ever at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, seem to be evenly matched ahead of Saturday’s game and, taking everything into account, I believe that the two bitter rivals are going to share the spoils on Matchday 12.

Pick: Draw

Odds: 5/2