Simeone's men look to end 14-year drought in Madrid derby

Radamel Falcao will like to get on the scoresheet and ending the 14-year win-less streak.

With just three victories in the last five for Real, their season so far hasn’t gone as they had hoped. Their most recent loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League has almost assured their exit from the elite competition. However, they’ll be hoping to mount their challenge for second place in the domestic league. They face an in-form Atlético Madrid side who are unbeaten in their last five outings.

Team News – Atlético de Madrid

Simeone’s side will be without influential midfielder Arda Turan, but everyone else is available. Radamel Falcao scored against Sevilla last weekend and he’ll be hoping to get on the scoresheet again. His tally is at 25 goals and he is only below Messi and Ronaldo. Diego is going to field his strongest side so that he can close the 3 point gap with his neighbours.

Team News – Real Madrid

The biggest blow to the team is that iconic front-man, Cristiano Ronaldo will be unavailable. It was confirmed that he picked up a thigh-strain and will thus be out, along with Arbeloa and Marcelo. Diego Lopez will continue between the sticks and this means Iker Casillas will have to settle for a place on the bench, although he has spoken about his intentions to fight hard to regain his spot.

Preview

Real Madrid have not been able to defend their title as reigning champions with Barcelona almost certainly reclaiming it this weekend. The Catalans play Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Atlético de Madrid will definitely turn on the heat against their local rivals as they chase to finish above them after a very long time.

El Athléti haven’t won the last five matches against Real. In fact, all the five previous results have gone in favour of Real. This time around, however, Atlético will be looking for a win. They have the upper hand with Real being weakened at fullback. With Ronaldo missing, the onus is on the other strikers to provide the firepower. Benzema has seen better days, Higuain and di Maria are also not at their best.

However, Adrian, Falcao and Costa have been superb this season and they’ll be looking to make the best of the situation. Ozil, Khedira and Alonso will look to control the midfield, but just like many a times this season, their final-third performance hasn’t been what they usually have.

We’re surely up for a good game with both teams losing influential players; the game will be interesting.

Facts

Real Madrid have won all the 5 previous meetings irrespective of the venue.

Atlético de Madrid will be hoping to end a 14-year win-less drought.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 51 goals in all competitions this year, 20 more than Radamel Falcao.

Real Madrid have won only 1 of their last 4 away fixtures, in all competitions.

Prediction

El Athleti will likely play better than their Madrid counterparts with the latter distracted with Champions League. This match will serve as a curtain-raiser for the upcoming Copa del Rey final, where the same two teams face each other. Hopefully, for that Ronaldo will be available. Since he, along with the full backs, aren’t in the squad, I’m backing Simeone’s men to win it.

Atlético de Madrid – Real Madrid : 2-0