Prediction and odds for the game: Real Madrid (21/20) vs Atletico Madrid (13/5)
We are backing the home win
When: Sunday 12 December 2021, Kick-off 20:00
Where: The Santiago Bernabeu
On Sunday night, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid meet at the Santiago Bernabeu, in what is a potentially massive capital derby in La Liga.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos head into this derby match with a commanding lead at the top of La Liga. In fact, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are eight points clear at the top of the table, although second-place Sevilla have a game in hand on the team from the capital.
The league leaders are in red hot form, having recorded nine straight victories in all competitions. That good run of form includes winning six straight matches in the Spanish top-flight.
Ancelotti’s team has been highly effective in attack of late, scoring at least two goals in four of their last five matches in La Liga. However, they could be without top goalscorer Karim Benzema for this clash. If he fails to recover from a knock sustained against Real Sociedad last weekend, Luka Jovic is likely to deputise in attack.
Real Madrid have certainly had the better of recent meetings with their city rivals, as they are unbeaten in ten games against Atletico in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid
The reigning champions have struggled to live up to the performances that made them Spanish champions last season. Diego Simeone’s team are fourth-place in La Liga, ten points behind their city rivals, with a game in hand. A win at the Bernabeu could prove to be a major psychological boost for the visitors.
Atletico will take heart from a 3-1 win at Porto in the midweek in the Champions League. The victory put Simeone’s team into the last-16 of European football’s elite competition. The win was much-needed, as Porto were their main rivals for qualification.
Atletico’s league form had not been terrible of late, but a 2-1 home defeat against Real Mallorca last time out ended a seven-game unbeaten run.
The visitors have had mixed results of late away from home in the Spanish top-flight. However, a 4-1 win at Cadiz in their previous away match ended a run of three league games without a win on their travels.
Atletico Madrid could be without Jose Gimenez, Sime Vrsaljko. Kieran Trippier and Luis Suarez for this vital clash.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s recent form has been relentless of late. Ancelotti’s team have made winning a habit again. With that in mind, we are backing the home win. However, we believe this will be a relatively tight game, so are also backing under 2.5 goals scored.
Our Tips: We are backing the home win at odds of 21/20 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365)
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Can Real Madrid strengthen their position at the top of La Liga or can Atletico finally overcome their neighbours?
