Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid predictions and free betting tips [04/02/2024]

Today as part of the 23rd round of the Spanish La Liga, Real Madrid will host Atletico. The "Royal Club" leads the tournament table with 57 points, while the "Mattress Makers" sit third, trailing their opponent by 10 points.

Probable Lineups

Real: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrigo, Vinicius.  
Atletico: Oblak; Witsel, Hermoso, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Griezmann, Morata.  

Real Madrid 

This season, only one opponent has defeated Real in all competitions - Atletico Madrid. Interestingly enough, the "Mattress Makers" have done this twice: in the first round of the championship (3:1) and two weeks ago in the 1/8 finals of the Copa del Rey (4:2 after extra time) – it's no surprise that the hosts will be thirsting for revenge at Bernabeu. Last Thursday Carlo Ancelotti's men beat Getafe (0:2) thanks to a brace from Hoselu, just days after a victory over Las Palmas (1:2). This result allowed Los Blancos to regain sole leadership of La Liga, passing Girona by 2 points. This season, perhaps Blancos, boast the best defence in La Liga: they've only conceded 14 times, all the more impressive considering the abundance of injuries and a tough schedule. The championship leader is also doing well at home, having won nine and drawing one of the 10 matches at the Bernabeu

Thibaut Courtois, Alaba and Militao are all currently recuperating from ACL injuries and are certain to miss the derby. However, it's not excluded that the Belgian shot-stopper and the Brazilian defender might return to action in the coming weeks. Jude Bellingham (La Liga's top scorer with 14 goals) will be the one to ignite creativity in attack, supported by Vinicius (6 goals in La Liga) and his Brazilian compatriot Rodrigo (7 goals, 4 assists). Antonio Rudiger was subbed at halftime during the match against Getafe on Thursday night after an uncomfortable conflict, although nothing serious happened to the centre back. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendi will feature on the defensive flanks, whilst Aurelien Tchouameni is serving a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. 

Atletico

Atletico can boast of being the only team to have twice beaten Real Madrid this season. However, it's important to remind "colchoneros" that just last month they were knocked out of the Spanish Super Cup at the semi-final stage by the Royal Club itself in an absolutely crazy match in Saudi Arabia (5:3 after extra time). Atletico also trails in the race for the La Liga title, being 10 points off the top spot. Last week, Atletico also claimed all three points, edging past Rayo Vallecano 2:1 thanks to a Memphis Depay goal, to earn their fifth consecutive win in all competitions. The Stripes have the best record in La Liga in terms of home points accrued, however, the capital team only has four away wins to their account.

Thomas Lemar, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Jose Gimenez have been long-term absentees. This week also brought some significant bad news for "colchoneros": Morata is injured. The Spanish forward has been impressive this season, scoring a total of 13 goals. However, it was Dutchman Memphis Depay (4 goals in 12 La Liga matches this season) who earned his team 3 points in the clash against Rayo. Antoine Griezmann (11 goals, 6 assists) and Correa (4 goals) are likely to kick off at the Santiago Bernabeu, leading the offensive operations. Meanwhile, Moise Kean has yet to sign a contract with "Mattress Makers" this winter, and centre-back Soyuncu was loaned to Fenerbahce – his place will be occupied by the incoming Gabriel Paulista from Valencia. 

Head-to-head

Atletico has not beaten Real at the Bernabeu in the Spanish championship since February 2016, but only lost one of their previous four league encounters. 

Prediction for the match Real Madrid - Atletico

Ahead of the fourth Madrid derby this season, the stats are in Atletico's favour. Trailing behind Real and Girona in the title race, Atletico is desperately in need of a victory at the Bernabeu. The hosts are of course strong and confident, however, Real's injury problems are still there, especially the fragile defence. I believe that Atletico will at the very least not lose.