Next Wednesday, February 5, 2014 (11:00 AM Pacific, 19:00 GMT), Real Madrid will entertain their city rivals Atlético Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Copa del Rey’s semi-finals. Both teams went head-to-head in last season’s cup final and back then Diego Simeone’s boys claimed the trophy after Miranda managed to score a goal during extra-time.
This time, however, Real Madrid is certainly looking to avenge that sour home defeat and they will certainly do anything within their reach to avoid the third consecutive defeat against Atlético Madrid, something that has never happened before.
Next Wednesday’s match will be the first of three clashes between both teams this month, and whoever manages to avoid being defeated in those matches will certainly take a solid step forward on both competitions.
The moment for which Atlético Madrid has been waiting so long finally came last weekend, when after beating Real Sociedad at home, they changed positions with Barcelona at the top of Liga BBVA’s table, and they are now in the first place. The Colchoneros have the best defence line of La Liga, since they have only conceded 14 goals so far. Diego Simeone’s boys are highly motivated and they haven’t been defeated since October 2013, which means that Real Madrid will have to redouble their efforts if they want to defeat such an organized team as Atlético Madrid.
Diego Simeone will be able to count on the flamboyant Turkish player Arda Turan once again, considering that he has fully recovered from his injury, but on the other hand, he will have to deal with the absence of David Villa, who is sidelined due to a hamstring problem and will not be able to give his contribution to the team.
As for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti’s boys, who are currently on the third place of La Liga, with the same points of Barcelona, come from a draw at San Mamés last Sunday, against Athletic Bilbao, that put an end to five consecutive wins. Real Madrid are a very strong team when playing at home and this season they have already scored 32 goals so far, but not even that impressive scoresheet prevented them from being defeated at the hands of Atlético Madrid in round 7 of Liga BBVA.
The Italian head coach will be able to count on the return of the Welsh star Gareth Bale, following a minor leg injury, and he will also be able to count on the team’s key element, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sent off at Bilbao last Sunday and will lose the next league match due to suspension.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
Diego Simeone’s revolution at Atlético Madrid continues and his side has managed to remain unbeaten for 23 matches so far in all competitions, and they seem to have everything in their favour to assume themselves as the strongest Madrid team this term. Real Madrid, however, will certainly do everything within their grasp to mame and annihilate the fabulous moment their rivals are experiencing and they are relying on their fans’ support to put an end to the Colchoneros’ unbeaten run. This being said, the most likely outcome is 1-1.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Television
The match will be televised on beIN Sports USA, and Canal 1 (Spain).
