Atletico Madrid hosts their city rivals when they take on reigning champions and Champions League finalists Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday evening. Take advantage of the best bonuses and betting markets in the industry by using our sportsbook.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and Spain La Liga odds for Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Atletico Madrid: Fighting for Top-Four Finish
This might be the perfect opportunity for Atletico Madrid to beat city rivals and La Liga reigning champs Real Madrid for the first time in six years. The hosts dropped eight points in their previous four domestic fixtures and they enter this clash on the back of a 2-0 defeat away to Bilbao.
They won the title last season with 86 points, suffering only four defeats and allowing the fewest goals (25) in the European top-flight league. They almost doubled that tally, conceding 41 goals this term with four games to go.
To emphasize how badly Atletico’s title defense has gone wrong, they have conceded more goals than in any of Diego Simeone’s other 11 seasons in charge. The Argentine’s role has come under scrutiny from both club supporters and Spanish media. Simeone was the making of the Madrid rivalry and now it could be the breaking of him. That, at least, is the way some have framed this match. While suggestions that he could be on the edge are wildly exaggerated, and fans and the board have backed him, Atletico Madrid’s manager is under greater pressure than at any point since he took over
While Jose Maria Gimenez returned from a muscular injury in time for Atletico’s listless 2-0 defeat away to Athletic Club last weekend, Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar are not yet ready to feature. Mario Hermoso and Reinildo are suspended for the Madrid derby as they both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season. As we previously stated, this is the perfect opportunity for Atletico to finally beat their city rivals and we will include them in our soccer picks and parlays.
Real Madrid: Heavy Legs
Real Madrid was on cloud nine after their brilliant comeback against Manchester City as wild dressing room celebrations ensued after the full-time whistle. The conditioning specialist is probably the hero of the season for Los Blancos for increasing Madrid’s stamina levels, which have facilitated a number of late comebacks this season. It’s very hard for any team in the world to play every three days given the level of intensity.
Last weekend, the Spanish giants were crowned La Liga champions. Carlo Ancelotti, who became the first coach to win a league title in each of Europe’s top five leagues, looked ice cool as he was seen puffing a cigar next to his players. Then, Real Madrid managed to knock out Manchester City with a stunning comeback to qualify for the Champions League final.
Ancelotti hailed his squad’s “never-say-die” mentality as he reflected on a fantastic night in the Spanish capital. They will play Liverpool in the UCL final and of course, their main objective is to have all the players fit and ready for that specific match. They have nothing to play for in their domestic league after winning the title last week, so we expect them to rest many of their key players against Atletico Madrid. If you’re soccer betting, this is the right period to fade the big guns.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head
Real Madrid won their 35th La Liga title a week ago. They were crowned champions by defeating Espanyol 4-0. They have an amazing head-to-head record against their city rivals, winning three of their previous four La Liga mutual encounters, including a 2-0 victory at home in the reverse fixture. Atletico Madrid is one of the best home teams this season, losing just twice and scoring 31 goals in the process. Real Madrid dropped just 10 points on the road this term, winning 13 of their 17 away games.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Game Information
- Game: Atletico Madrid (18-7-9) vs Real Madrid (25-6-3)
- Location: Wanda Metropolitano (Madrid)
- Day/Time: Sunday, May 8, 3 p.m. ET
- Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Streaming: fubo.tv
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Betting Lines
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Predictions
As expected, the hosts enter this clash as favorites being priced at +100 on the three-way moneyline according to the latest soccer odds while the goal line is set at 2½.
Real Madrid has reclaimed the limelight following several years in the shadow of Barcelona. They have won numerous Champions League and La Liga matches, reintroducing them to the spotlight. They played four games in 10 days and they also enjoyed two parties in less than a week. The one thing they won’t risk in the final games of their domestic league is getting injured.
Atletico Madrid is a physical team and that’s a big problem for Real Madrid, who are trying to have their best players available for the Champions League final. Real Madrid is not expected to risk most of their key players so we’re backing the hosts to add three more points to their season tally and secure the Champions League spot.