This Saturday (February 9, 2025), the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be the stage for a high-stakes Madrid derby. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to clash in what is shaping up to be a critical match in the race for the La Liga title.
With both teams sitting at the top of the league, this match could determine who will take the lead going forward. Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid is currently in first place, holding a narrow one-point advantage over Atletico Madrid after 22 games.
If Real Madrid wins, they will extend their lead to four points, boosting their confidence ahead of their upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City.
However, a win for Atletico Madrid will see them leapfrog their rivals and move ahead in the title race. A draw could benefit Barcelona, who would still remain in contention for the title.
Real Madrid’s Form and Key Stats
Real Madrid is coming off a 3-2 victory over Leganes in the Copa del Rey, where Ancelotti rested several key players in anticipation of this busy stretch of games.
Despite the win, their most recent La Liga match saw a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Espanyol, ending a six-match unbeaten run in the league.
In their last five matches across all competitions, Real Madrid has recorded four wins and one loss, averaging 2.8 goals scored and 0.8 goals conceded per game. Their offensive attack remains one of the best in La Liga, having scored 50 goals, second only to Barcelona.
With an average of 2.27 goals per match, Real Madrid has been clinical in front of goal, but they will need to tighten their defense after the recent setback.
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Atletico Madrid’s Form and Key Stats
Atletico Madrid is coming off a solid 2-0 victory against Leganes in their last La Liga match, closing the gap to just one point behind Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s team is known for their defensive solidity, having conceded only 14 goals in 22 games, the fewest in La Liga.
Atletico’s attack has also been impressive, with key players like Antoine Griezmann, Matheus Cunha, and Memphis Depay playing a crucial role in their success. In their last five matches across all competitions, Atletico has scored 14 goals, including five in their Copa del Rey clash against Getafe.
While their away record stands at 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, they are a resilient side that is capable of challenging anyone.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
With only a single point separating these two top clubs, this derby at the Bernabeu is set to be a thrilling encounter where neither team can afford to drop points. A draw would favor Barcelona, allowing them to stay in the race for the title.
Real Madrid, playing at home, will likely look to test Atletico’s defensive resilience from the outset. Their primary aim will be to seize the three points and maintain their lead at the top of the table.
However, Atletico will not just sit back; they will look to take advantage of any chances to break through Real Madrid’s defense and push for a win, which would move them ahead in the title race.
Looking at their previous five meetings, both teams have been consistently scoring, as evidenced by their 1-1 draw earlier this season. Given their recent form, it is expected that both sides will find the back of the net in this encounter.
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Extra90.com Prediction
The prediction algorithm from Extra90.com suggests that both teams are likely to score in this match, with a 63% probability. There is also a 37% chance that one of the teams may fail to score.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Vazquez, Alaba, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé
Coach: Ancelotti
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta; Simeone, Koke, De Paul, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez
Coach: Simeone
Final Word
This Madrid derby promises to be one of the most exciting matches of the season. With both teams fighting for the La Liga title, there is everything to play for.
Real Madrid will aim to maintain their top spot, while Atletico Madrid will look to push forward and take control of the race.
As the teams take to the pitch at the Bernabeu, expect a thrilling and tense 90 minutes of football.
