La Liga Prediction: Week 17 (Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid)
One of La Liga’s most prestigious and most competitive derbies will be played this week, as Real Madrid go up against Estadio Atlético Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu on December 13. Which part of the Community of Madrid will celebrate after the final whistle? The excitement in this mouth-watering encounter is palpable.
Overview
Real Madrid CF are on a roll. They have not been beaten since October 3 and have won their last nine matches in all competitions. They dealt with Real Sociedad, 2-0, in the previous weekend to amass 39 points after 16 La Liga matches, then followed it up with a 2-0 beating of Internazionale midweek to cap the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Atlético de Madrid, meanwhile, are figuratively on a rollercoaster right now, alternating between wins and losses the last five games. They lost to Mallorca, 1-2, to tumble down to fourth of the La Liga table. They made up for it with a 3-1 victory over Porto at the UCL.
Stats
The last time Atlético Madrid won against Los Blancos was at the 2018 UEFA Super Cup. Counting only matches that ended in regulation, their head-to-head since then resulted in three draws and three victories in favor of Real Madrid. Their two meetings last season had Real Madrid winning one, 2-0, and one ending in a 1-1 draw.
Real Madrid have a 5-2-0 win-draw-loss record at home in La Liga matches. In contrast, Atlético is 4-2-1 in their domestic league away games.
Recent form (last five matches)
Real Madrid
defeated Inter, 2-0
defeated Real Sociedad, 2-0
defeated Athletic, 1-0
defeated Sevilla, 2-1
defeated Sheriff, 3-0
Atlético Madrid
defeated Porto, 3-1
lost to Mallorca, 1-2
defeated Cádiz, 4-1
lost to Milan, 0-1
defeated Osasuna, 1-0
Prediction
Real Madrid have been on a winning streak, and there appears to be no stopping in sight. Still, do not count the defending champions out, as Atleti would want to claw their way back up. It would not be surprising if this clash ends up in a draw.
Both clubs average more than two goals in their respective last six matches. To play it safe, go for over 1.5 goals with the scoreline either at 2-0 or 1-1.
Tips
Real Madrid win
Over 1.5 goals
