La Liga leaders Real Madrid welcome bitter rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday eager to extend their lead at the summit of La Liga. Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on the game here.
Real Madrid aim to maintain their lead at the top of the Liga table when they welcome cross-city rivals Atletico to the Santiago Bernabeu in a hugely anticipated encounter. Los Blancos are currently three points ahead of second-placed Barcelona at the top of the table, while Atletico occupy fifth with 36 points. Zinedine Zidane’s side are unbeaten in their last 20 matches in all competitions and head into this match as favourites.
On the other hand, Diego Simeone’s side head into the crunch derby off a dismal run of form that has seen them slump to fifth place. They were recently dumped out of the Copa Del Rey by lower league side Cultural Leonesa. The Rojiblancos have huge problems in front of goal. Only five teams have scored fewer goals than them in La Liga and their total of 22 strikes in 21 matches is not good. Can they upset their rivals away from home?
Betting preview
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 20 games in all competitions, winning 15. Los Blancos are unbeaten in their last 15 outings at Santiago Bernabeu, winning ten. Atletico Madrid have won just two of their last 12 away games in all competitions including just one away win from seven in La Liga. For that reason, you can back a Real Madrid Win at odds of 1.80.
Nine of the last ten competitive games between these two have seen Under 3.5 Goals. Twenty of Atletico’s 21 league games this season have seen three or fewer goals. You can back Under 3.5 Goals at odds of 1.22.
At least one team scored in three of the last five games between these two. Atletico have failed to score in two of their last three away games in the league. Both teams have scored in just one of Real’s last five league matches. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.70.
Team news
Los Blancos remain without Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio who are long-term injury absentees. Gareth Bale has missed the last two games but could be available.
Atletico are without Joao Felix who has a muscle injury, while Thomas Lemar, Diego Costa, Jose Maria Gimenez and Koke also remain sidelined.
Possible line-ups
Real Madrid: Courtois, Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Mendy, Modric, Casimiro, Kroos, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vazquez
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Trippier, Savic, Felipe, Lodi, Partey, Herrera, Saul, Llorente, Correa, Morata