Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

It’s 1st vs 2nd in La Liga this weekend and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Real Madrid head into El Derbi on the back of a shock 1-0 defeat against Espanyol last weekend. Having huffed and puffed for 85 minutes, the hosts countered before Carlos Romero scored from close range. With the gap now just one point, this is a crucial match in the season.

Atletico edged closer to their arch-rivals after a 2-0 win and professional performance against Mallorca. Diego Simone’s side head to the Bernabeu having won four of their last five matches on the road – and how they’d love to make that five on Saturday evening.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Prediction: Simeone to silence the hosts

Spain, La Liga, Saturday, February 8th, 20:00 (UK)

Atletico Madrid are waiting in the wings to strike having closed the gap to just one point after round 22. With just one defeat in their last 20 matches across all competitions, Diego Simeone’s side head to the Bernabeu full of confidence knowing that the title is within reach.

Real Madrid fans will be hoping for a reaction after their 1-0 defeat against Espanyol – the first time they have drawn a blank since their 4-0 defeat against Barcelona back in October.

And although Los Blancos have often dominated this fixture on home soil, consecutive 1-1 draws two years in a row, as well as requiring extra-time in the Super Cup semi-finals, show this is no easy task for Carlo Ancelotti. Their current odds-on price doesn’t appeal, with a preference for Simeone’s in-form side to frustrate their rivals.

As always, Simone’s side are set up to not concede goals – and so far, so good. Atletico are the lowest conceders in La Liga (14) and the road they’ve let in just seven from their 10 matches. Impressive stuff.

Blossoming partnerships

A centre-back pairing of Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand has blossomed this campaign, who can rely on their Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak in behind to bail them out as and when required – although not as often as other teams, including Real Madrid.

The hosts have collected 27 points from a possible 30 at home, but have conceded 10 in 10 matches, as well as failing to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five at the Bernabeu.

Salzburg, Las Palmas, Celta Vigo and Sevilla have all scored against Real Madrid, who rely on their attacking stars to get the job done. Since Militao’s injury, Ancelotti’s side have proven easier to carve through. 

And although Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe would scare most, Atletico Madrid kept them quiet in their 1-1 draw in round eight. It’s worth pointing out Militao was the sole goalscorer in that fixture.

Real Madrid may be hoping to rebound in style, but breaking through Simeone’s defensive setup won’t be easy. And it won’t just be a defensive game played out by the visitors, who can rely on Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth to catch Real out on the break.

This game is finely poised but the bookmakers firmly believe Real Madrid’s home record is too good. However, their sole defeat came against Barcelona, and the only other team capable of matching that in La Liga is Atletico.

The double chance just shy of evens looks far better value than relying on Real Madrid at 1.80.

• Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Prediction: Atletico Madrid Double Chance
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:00, February 4th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Real Madrid have no fresh injury concerns to worry about heading into this key clash. Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga remain long-term absences.

Despite drawing a blank against Espanyol, Mbappe is expected to lead the line alongside Brazilian stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, with Jude Bellingham operating the no.10 role. Preference has been for Dani Ceballos in behind instead of Luka Modric this campaign.

Cesar Azpilicueta has recently returned from a calf injury and the 35-year-old is likely to fill a place on the bench for the visitors. Pablo Barrios, who has been out with a muscle injury, returned against Mallorca and is likely to start for Simeone.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Garcia, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Asencio, Valverde, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Diaz, Mbappe

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Mandava, Lenglet, Le Normand, Llorente, Lino, Koke, Barrios, Simeone, Alvarez, Sorloth

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