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Real Madrid – Atlético Madrid
While the 22nd matchday is still being played in the Bundesliga this weekend, the Spanish top flight is already a little further along. In La Liga, the 23rd matchday is already on the agenda. By far the most exciting clash will take place in Madrid on Saturday. In the “Derbi madrileño”, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will face each other at 6:30 pm. Find out who will win this prestigious duel in our Real Madrid – Atlético tip.
For the hosts, the mood couldn’t be much better at the moment. A fortnight ago, the royals won the FIFA Club World Cup and during the week, Real outclassed Liverpool 5-2 in the last 16 of the Champions League. The only thing dampening Real’s mood at the moment is their form in the league. The Madrilenians are already eight points behind their biggest rivals from Barcelona.
Meanwhile, things look even bleaker in the other part of Madrid. The Colchoneros are currently only in fourth place in the league and will play absolutely no role in the championship race. At least Atlético’s form has improved again in recent weeks. Coach Diego Simeone’s team is unbeaten in six games in the league and won 1-0 against Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
Real Madrid – Atlético Infos
– Date & Time: 25/02/2023, at 18:30.
– Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 23
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Real Madrid Form & Balance Check
The last few games have gone like clockwork for Real Madrid. In the last few weeks, the club from Spain’s capital won both the FIFA Club World Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League. The Club World Cup final against Al-Hilal SFC in particular was a real triumph as Real Madrid took home the title with an impressive 5-3 victory.
But despite these successes, Real’s form in the league is clouding their joy a little. The royals are eight points behind their biggest rivals from Barcelona and must give everything in the remaining season to still win the championship. In the last league match against CA Osasuna, however, Real recorded another important victory. The Madrilenians will want to take this momentum into the derby against Atlético.
Benzema is back
The current Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, has been in the absolute form of his life for the past few years. The 35-year-old shot Real Madrid to the Spanish championship in the previous season and won the Champions League with the royals.
This season, however, Benzema was repeatedly absent due to injury and even missed the World Cup in Qatar. Nevertheless, Real’s number 9 has already scored eleven goals in 13 league games this season. Benzema also added two goals in Tuesday’s 5-2 win over Liverpool.
Real Madrid facts & analysis
– 2nd place in La Liga, 51 points from 22 games.
– Best offence in the league
– Only one defeat in last six league games
Atlético form & balance check
Atlético Madrid’s form has picked up in recent weeks, after many periods of weakness. In addition to being eliminated from the Champions League, the Colchoneros are only fourth in the league and will almost certainly no longer play a decisive role in the championship race.
However, coach Diego Simeone’s side have been impressive in their last six La Liga games and have gone without defeat in that time. In their last league match against Athletic Bilbao, Atlético Madrid won 1-0 to secure an important three points in their fight to qualify for the Champions League.
Defensive stability
Atlético’s style of play has been familiar to all football fans for years. Los Rojiblancos always rely on a stable defence. Atlético Madrid can also claim to have the second best defence in the Spanish league this season. In the 22 games they have played so far, the Colchoneros have conceded only 17 goals. Only FC Barcelona conceded fewer goals.
A large part of this success can be attributed to goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who has scored nine times in 20 appearances. But it is not only the Slovenian who deserves praise, coach Diego Simeone also makes a big contribution. He always relies on a defensive approach and thus gives his players the necessary security.
Atlético facts & analysis
– 4th place in La Liga, 41 points from 22 games.
– Second best defence in the league
– No defeat in six league games
Predicted line-up – last update on 23 February 2023
Carlo Ancelotti will again rely on plenty of experience in his ranks for this derby. Toni Kroos was not in the starting eleven against Liverpool due to illness, but is likely to come back in from the start against Atlético. Tchouameni is unlikely to be fit for the starting eleven yet. In addition, Ferland Mendy will be missing for the Royals due to injury.
With Diego Simeone and Atlético, we expect a 4-4-2. Oblak will be the Colchoneros’ safe backstop. Griezmann and Correia will form the double front. The visitors will have the entire squad available for the derby.
Real Madrid – Atlético direct comparison & Statistics
Real and Atlético have played a whopping 212 duels so far. The Madrilenians have a clear lead with 110 victories, while Atlético have only won 54 games. Real have also won their two matches so far this season. Many football fans will particularly remember the two duels in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals, both of which Real won narrowly.
– Atlético have won only one of their last eleven matches against Real Madrid.
– Atlético’s last away win at Real Madrid was on 27/02/2016.
– Real Madrid have not lost any of their last 18 home matches.
– Atlético have failed to score in only one of their eleven away matches in La Liga this season
