Atletico Madrid meet the ten-time European champions in the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
It will be Zinedine Zidane’s first big test as the Real Madrid manager. Since his appointment at the helm, the Frenchman has won six and drawn two matches in all competitions. His start is exactly similar to his mentor Rafa Benitez’s start at the club.
Real Madrid dropped points at the weekend in the away fixture at Malaga. Cristiano Ronaldo drew first blood for Los Blancos in the 33rd minute but Albentosa equalized for Malaga in the 66th minute. The Spanish giants cannot afford more slip-ups as they have fallen nine points behind the league leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid’s hated city rivals Atletico Madrid are currently second in the league table and are a point ahead of them. Diego Simeone’s side were held by Villarreal at the weekend and the final score at Vicente Calderon was 0 – 0.
Real Madrid came back from Rome with a 2 – 0 away victory in the first leg of their round of 16 tie against AS Roma. Atletico Madrid will play PSV Eindhoven in Netherlands on Wednesday.
Both these teams met in October 2015 and the game at Vicente Calderon ended 1 – 1. Benzema and Vietto scored the goals for their respective sides.
Real Madrid have won four and drawn two of their last six matches in all competitions. Atleti also have the same exact form from their last six fixtures. Both the teams are realistically out of the title race as Barcelona seem unstoppable yet again this season. The Madrid teams will most probably be competing for the runners-up spot in the Spanish league table.
Real Madrid have the home advantage but Atletico Madrid aren’t an easy team to beat since their resurgence under the Argentine coach Diego Simeone.
A tough match to call, but it seems likely that both teams will get a goal.
Recommended Tip:
Both Teams to Score, best odds EVENS @ 888Sport
Click Here to Bet on This Tip at 888Sport and get TREBLE odds