Spain Copa del Rey (17-18 January)

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[spkutano]

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Hermoso; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Morata, Griezmann

Real Madrid:
Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Fernandez, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Jr

Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid at Wanda just eight days after their semifinals clash in the Supercopa de Espana. Now they will play Copa del Rey's Last-16 tie. The match in Saudi Arabia was efficient as Real won 5:3 after extra time. The result after regular 90 minutes was 3:3. Atletico's Mario Hermoso and Real's Antonio Rudiger scored headers before Ferland Mendy flicked in Dani Carvajal's cross to put Real ahead. Nevertheless, Antoine Griezmann equalized with his club record-breaking 174th goal. That was the result after first 45 minutes, while each side scored one more in the second half - Rudiger netted an own goal before Carvajal forced extra time. A late Joselu strike (or maybe Stefan Savic own goal) decided the winners, while Brahim Diaz set the final 4:2 in the injury time of the extra-time, slotting into an empty net from 40 yards.

Atletico Madrid have eliminated Lugo in the previous round, winning 3:1 as guests. Memphis Depay was the hero on that match with a second-half brace after both sides cancelled each other out in the opening period. It was a deserved victory against lower-division side, however, the overall form isn't at desired level. The Rojiblancos have two defeats on the last three matches across all competitions. I already wrote about one of them, from Real Madrid in Supercup. The other was equally painful as they lost 4:3 to Girona, conceding again in the stoppage time. Coach Diego Simeone now must find a way to rebuild the players confidence ahead of the Madrid derby. Cholo has the majority of his players ready, but Memphis Depay is rated as doubtful with an adductor issue. He could only make the bench at best here. Pablo Barrios is also doubtful after missing the last training session with an illness. Left-back Reinildo is on international duty with Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Vitolo and Thomas Lemar are long-term absentees.

Real Madrid were brilliant during the Supercup in the Saudi Arabia. I already wrote about the semifinals and their 5:3 win against Atletico. They were even better in the final when destroyed the biggest rivals Barcelona. Real Madrid dominated the game and won 4:1. Vinicius Junior was the main name in the final. His hat-trick inspired Real to beat El Clasico rivals Barcelona. The Brazilian winger scored three times inside the opening 39 minutes to put his team in firm control, with Robert Lewandowski also scoring to keep Barca in the contest. However, Rodrygo's goal after the break put the game beyond doubt. That was the 13th Supercopa title for Real Madrid. Ancelotti is not expect to make lot of changes for this derby, but some players are struggling with injuries. Aurelien Tchouameni did not take part in the last team training as a precautionary measure. In case he can't play, his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga should start. Lucas Vazquez is sidelined with a thigh injury, while ACL victims Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are also out. Ancelotti has confirmed that Andriy Lunin will start in goal over Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Prediction:

The last few matches of Atletico were very efficient. They lost 4:3 to Girona and 5:3 to Real. The same could be said for Real. Los Blancos beat Arendina 3:1 in the cup, beat Atletico 5:3 and Barcelona 4:1 in the Supercup. I expect an open and efficient match with at least three goals.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.76 with Pinnacle