Match Preview

Real Madrid and Atlético are at it again for the first Derbi Madrileño of 2019, which will take place in Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. The first one back in September at the Bernabéu was a very pedestrian 0-0 draw, as has been the case with many of the Derbys the last several matches.

Real are in the middle of a tough schedule, drawing to Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Wednesday before playing Ajax this coming Wednesday, but not before this Derby. Atlético also have a tough match on These are always classic matches given the intensity of the rival between these two Madrid clubs.

Real have also won their last four LaLiga matches and are just two points behind Atlético for second now. As if the stakes couldn’t get any higher, this one is going to be a big one if Real want to stay competitive in the league this season.

Injuries/Suspensions

Jesus Vallejo will still be missing for Real Madrid. Both Marcos Llorente and Isco will be out for Real Madrid as well for El Derbi.

Atlético will still be without Diego Costa and and Stefan Savic. Koke was not in Atlético’s training session on Friday so he will likely miss. Godin did so he will likely feature. Saul is also likely after getting closer to his return as well.

There are no suspensions for either side this match, Varane returns for Real after serving his suspension last weekend.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Vinicius, Benzema

Atlético Madrid

Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Hernandez; Correa, Partey, Saúl, Lemar; Griezmann, Morata

Prediction

Real Madrid-Atlético Madrid 1-1

The way the Derbi has gone the last several fixtures in the league, as mentioned before, the draw has been the popular outcome. While Real would certainly love a win to jump a point ahead of Atlético, a draw is always the safe approach.

The second road match in a row this week, in another rivalry match no less, is no easy task. Especially when just next week is another important match for Real in their match with Ajax in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage.

It’s always a fun time with El Derbi, given how Real has played in LaLiga the last month there should be confidence going into this match that Real could definitely pull off a victory. We’ll have to see what happens, nevertheless it will be an entertaining 90 minutes as per usual.