Please, try again later
The big games are coming thick and fast for Real Madrid right now and they travel to city rivals Atletico Madrid this Saturday, just three days on from the clasico. The winners will take 2nd place at the end of the match and that would certainly represent a moral victory for Real, who have found some form in La Liga at last under Santi Solari.
Atletico Madrid’s early cup exit has at least given them a week to prepare for this but they come into the match on a bit of a downer after they lost at Real Betis last weekend, only their second league defeat of the season. They are 6 points behind Barcelona but they really need all the points here if they are to sustain a realistic title challenge.
Overall, it’s hard to see too many goals in this one. The most recent clash between the two Madrid rivals finished 0-0 earlier this season while the only previous meeting at the Wanda Metropolitano did likewise last term. All in all, 6 of the last 7 league Madrid derbies have produced under 2.5 goals so the recent history suggests it could be tight.
Atletico Madrid’s defence is as solid as ever with a 73% home clean sheet ratio this term while 77% of their league games overall have produced under 2.5 goals. Real Madrid may be playing better football now but they are still bit wasteful at times in the final third with the likes of Vinicius not totally convincing in terms of his ability to take chances.
Despite some significant attacking recruits, the same could be said of Atleti who average only 1.45 goals per game in La Liga this term. All eyes will be on Alvaro Morata here as he lines up against his old club in his home debut for Atleti but it was an unconvincing display from him at Betis last weekend.
All things considered, backing Under 2.5 Goals appeals. In terms of the outcome, backing the Draw looks the best move, with 4 of the last 5 league meetings ending level while Atleti have won just 1 of their last 17 home league games against Real Madrid.