I didn't like the way Real Madrid defended against Elche and Inter Milan earlier this month, so I like Atletico Madrid's chances of causing an upset on Sunday.
Key Stats
- Atletico Madrid have won their last 2 matches.
- Atletico Madrid’s Jonathan David has scored 2 goals in his last 2 matches.
- Atletico Madrid have won 4 of their last 5 home matches against Real Madrid.
98-Year-Old Rivalry
These fierce city rivals locked horns 243 times so far, Real Madrid leading 125-60 in terms of victories.
Atleti Won Their Last Two Games
After starting September with back to back defeats against Athletic Bilbao 3-0 and Liverpool 2-1, Atletico Madrid have found stability recently and clinched some important victories.
First, Diego Simeone's side defeat Real Sociedad 3-0 in San Sebastian, scoring all three goals in the last ten minutes through Alex Grimaldo, Jonathan David and Giovanni Simeone.
During the mid-week, Atleti hosted and demolished Osasuna 4-0, allowing just one shot on target while ending the match with 3.97-0.48 expected goals and 68% possession. David was named man of the match, scoring one goal and registering one assist.
Los Blancos Recovered from Early September Setback
Real Madrid have slipped just once this season, losing 1-0 to Real Betis in the third round undeservedly but still look strong on the table (2nd place with 15 out of possible 18 points).
They are currently on a three-game winning streak which started in the UCL, beating Inter Milan 2-1 at home, followed by thrashing Rayo Vallecano 4-1 also at Santiago Bernabeu.
On Tuesday, Jose Mourinho's side almost wasted a two-goal lead at Elche, Carlos Espi saving the day once again with his stoppage time goal to secure a 3-2 victory.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Cristian Romero, Robin Le Normand, Alejandro Grimaldo; Lee Kang-in, Koke, Johnny Cardoso, Alex Baena; Jonathan David, Ademola Lookman
The home side have late fitness decisions to make regarding key figures Julian Alvarez, Pablo Barrios, and Alexander Sorloth, as all three struggle with muscular issues.
The home side have late fitness decisions to make regarding key figures Julian Alvarez, Pablo Barrios, and Alexander Sorloth, as all three struggle with muscular issues.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe
Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy ruled out through injuries for Real Madrid.
Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy ruled out through injuries for Real Madrid.