La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid go head to head on Saturday morning in the International Champions Cup fixture at MetLife Stadium in the USA. After both winning on penalties last time out, which of these archrivals will triumph this time around? Bet on the game here.
Real Madrid have had a poor start in preseason in terms of results. A defeat against Bayern Munich and a 2-2 draw against English side Arsenal has left a lot to be desired. Los Blancos’ defence has not been that strong and Zinedine Zidane will be looking for an improved defensive showing. However, unlike Atletico, they have faced top European teams in Bayern and Arsenal which should give them the sharpness against Los Rojiblancos.
Atletico will also be looking for an improved performance following a 0-0 draw against Mexican side Guadalajara. Diego Simeone’s side has is undergoing a massive overhaul in personnel this summer following the exit of Diego Godin, Antoine Griezmann, Juanfran and Filipe Luis, players who were the bedrock of their success in recent seasons. Simeone is slowly integrating the new signings and it is exciting to see how post-Griezmann Atletico will look like.
Betting preview
Atletico might not have won the number of trophies that Real Madrid have but whenever they meet, Simeone’s team is always competitive. Atletico have lost just once against Real Madrid in their last five meetings, winning once and drawing three. Los Blancos are also winless in preseason and have looked shaky at the back. Therefore, odds of 1.65 for an Away Double Chance look attractive.
Four of Madrid’s last five matches have seen three or more goals while three of Atletico’s last five games have seen Over 2.5 Goals. The last La Liga meeting between these two saw Madrid win 3-1. That being so, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.60.
Both these teams found the back of the net last time they met. Madrid have not kept a clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions but have scored in their last two. Atletico have scored in four of their last six matches. For that reason, you can back Both Teams to Score in this clash at odds of 1.55.
Team news
Real Madrid will be without Marco Asensio, who was forced off with a serious injury last time out. Vinicius Junior, new signing Rodrygo and Isco could start after coming off the bench last time out.
Simeone is likely to slightly shuffle his personnel, so the likes of new signing Hector Herrera, Koke and Angel Correa could start.
Possible line-up
Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos, Hazard, Vazquez, Benzema, Jovic
Atletico: Oblak, Trippier, Savic, Hermoso, Lodi, Herrera, Llorente, Niguez, Lemar, Costa, Morata