Just one point separates Real Madrid from local rivals Atlético going into what could well be a pivotal match in the Spanish title race.
By Neel Shelat
Referee under the spotlight
They say the best kind of game for a referee is one they are invisible in, but unfortunately for César Soto Grado, that will certainly not be the case for him in the Madrid derby. LaLiga’s match officials have been the subject of a fair few controversies in the past, but things have escalated recently.
The developments in the Negreira case over the last year or so have not helped matters, neither has Real Madrid’s aggressive approach to debatable decisions in recent times. Last weekend, for example, the club published an open letter complaining about some of the officiating in their loss to Espanyol.
Amid the back and forth of official statements from Real Madrid, LaLiga and the Spanish federation, Atlético Madrid pitched in with a social media post making light of the situation. However, things will surely get serious when Soto Grado takes charge of his third Madrid derby. He was the one who sent off Vinícius Júnior for violent conduct against Valencia in his last Real Madrid match, so he is quite likely to face a good deal of hostility in the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid’s defence further depleted
Injuries to key defenders have been a big cause of Real Madrid’s inconsistent form and performances this season. Eduardo Camavinga picked up a hamstring injury to join Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão on the treatment table last month, but the situation has gotten much worse in the last week. Antonio Rüdiger went off with a hamstring injury early on in last weekend’s loss to Espanyol and David Alaba was diagnosed with another injury later in the week.
Los Blancos have kept just two clean sheets in their last eight matches and let in as many as 12 goals. They will do very well to keep a shutout tonight with an expected makeshift centre-back pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Raúl Asencio.
Atlético’s attack well-suited to exploit high lines
Unavailable personnel is not the only cause behind Real Madrid’s poor defensive record, as they have also made some very questionable tactical decisions. The nine goals they conceded in their last two matches against Barcelona highlighted the various issues in their high defensive line most clearly, but they are yet to make any major changes.
Atlético Madrid, for their part, will be delighted to come up against such a high line. Diego Simeone’s side have had their struggles against low blocks but really seem to thrive in open games when the likes of Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth can stretch their legs.
Goals almost guaranteed
Besides the attacking star power and defensive absences on both sides (including Robin Le Normand’s suspension), the recent history of this fixture suggests that the scorekeepers will not be left idle. The last goalless Madrid derby was over five years ago, while both sides have scored in their last eight meetings!
Prediction
All things considered, Atlético Madrid could well end up outscoring Real Madrid in what promises to be an extremely eventful and entertaining match.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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