It is the Madrid derby on Sunday as Real Madrid welcome local rivals Atletico Madrid to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for a La Liga fixture. Atletico have gotten the better of Real a few times already this season but given their struggles on the road lately and Los Blancos’ imperious form in recent weeks, a home win could be expected here.
Real Madrid have become the outright leaders in the La Liga standings after claiming a 2-0 victory at Getafe in a rescheduled fixture on Wednesday. A goal in each half from Joselu was enough to earn them the win.
Having gone two points clear at the top of the standings, the task for Real Madrid will be to consolidate their lead. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been almost unstoppable in recent times losing only once in their last 25 matches across all competitions, although that defeat was a 4-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey.
The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu has been a fortress for Real Madrid all season as they are yet to taste defeat at home across all competitions. However, they have been unconvincing at the back, with just one clean sheet in their last four home matches.
After erratic displays in the first half of the season, Atletico Madrid appear to have found their rhythm since the turn of the year. They have won their last five matches across all competitions and are up to third on the standings.
Atletico Madrid travel to the Santiago Bernabeu off the back of a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano last time out in La Liga. The clash looked to be heading for a draw after Reinildo’s first half effort was cancelled but Memphis Depay struck an injury time winner.
For all of Atletico Madrid’s improvements in recent times, they remain unconvincing on their travels. Diego Simeone’s men have lost four of their last five away matches, although they did claim a 1-0 victory at Granada in their previous away fixture.
How the bookies view it
Real Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 10/13 by 10bet. A victory for Atletico Madrid is valued at 7/2 by William Hill while Unibet is offering odds of 3/1 for a draw.
Recent Head to head
Atletico Madrid have gotten the better of Real Madrid this season, winning two of their three meetings, including a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture. However, Real defeated Atletico 5-3 in the Spanish Super Cup and have won four of the last five meetings at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Players to watch
Joselu has been on target in the last two meetings with Atletico Madrid and following his brace in Wednesday, could be backed to get on the score sheet at 15/8 with bet365. Jude Bellingham remains the leading scorer for Real Madrid with 14 goals and could be worth keeping an eye on at 15/8 with bet365.
The dual attacking threat of Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata has been pivotal for Atletico Madrid with both men scoring 11 and 13 La Liga goals respectively. Griezmann is priced at 3/1 by bet365 to score anytime while Unibet is offering 7/2 on Morata in the same market.
Anything else catch the eye
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have served up high scoring encounters in their three meetings this season, and another thrilling contest could be on the cards. Over 4.5 goals is valued at 7/2 by BetVictor who is also offering odds of 9/5 for over 2.5 goals.
Los Blancos scored in both halves in their midweek La Liga fixture and could be set for a similar pattern at 8/5 with BoyleSports.
This La Liga match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be played on Feb 4, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
