Page 17 – The Pulse of Football

Feb

2025

Preview: Table-topping Madrid Derby promises drama

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)

You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Preview: Man City face third tier Leyton Orient in the FA Cup

Manchester City’s 5-1 loss at Arsenal last weekend has been described as “the end of an empire”, but can Leyton Orient read them the last rites in the FA Cup?

By Ian King

Two sides on different levels

Well, we thought they were back. Prior to last weekend’s chastening loss, Manchester City had been unbeaten in their six previous Premier League matches, scoring 18 goals. The last time they failed to get past the Fourth Round of the FA Cup was ten years ago. The last time Orient got to the Fourth Round was in 2011, when they were beaten 5-0 by Arsenal following a replay.

Orient lost 1-0 at home to Stockport County last week, but prior to that they’d been eleven games unbeaten in League One, a run of nine wins and two draws which lifted them up to sixth place. In the last round of the Cup they beat Championship club Derby County 6-5 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road.

A history lesson from the pre-FotMob days

It’s now 49 years since these two clubs last met, with that last meeting ending in a 2-2 draw back in May 1966. They’ve met twelve times in total, with City winning eight of them. Orient’s last win against them came in a Second Division match in August 1964. The two clubs have met twice before in the FA Cup, in 1920 and 1926, with City winning both of those, 4-1 and 6-1 respectively.

Key players

The scale of the Arsenal loss may provoke Pep Guardiola to play a stronger team than he might otherwise have done. Nico O’Reilly could find himself back in the team. He scored his first senior goal from left-back in their 8-0 win against Salford City in the last round.

Another Nico, Nico González, arrived for £50m on transfer deadline day from Porto, but will any of their newest acquisitions get a runout?

Grenada international Omar Beckles will be on for a busy afternoon at the heart of the Orient defence. He’s been there since 2021, after having risen from the non-league game to play for Accrington, Shrewsbury and Crewe.

Team News

Orient are expected to be at full strength. For Manchester City, Stefan Ortega will likely start in goal in place of Ederson, while their defensive shambles at The Emirates last week means that, having missed out on that one, Abdukodir Khusanov could start in the centre of defence. It’s likely to be a very different City team to the one that started last Sunday.

Prediction

Obviously, this should be a walk in the park for Manchester City. The gulf is enormous. Orient’s record transfer fee is the £200,000 they paid Oldham Athletic for Liam Kelly in 2016. According to publicly available information, City have ten players who currently earn that amount of money a week. City should run up a hatful but it’s the FA Cup – and frankly, when am I ever going to get the opportunity to do this again? So I’ll go for an optimistic 1-0 Orient win because we’d all neutrals would love to see that, wouldn’t they?

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the FA Cup with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Ousmane Dembele is in the form of his life as part of PSG’s new-look side

Lionel Messi. Zlatan Ibrahimović. Ronaldinho. Edinson Cavani. Ángel Di María. Just a handful of players that have suited up for Paris Saint-Germain this century.

By Zach Lowy

Each have marked an era in football and staked their claim as an all-time great, but none have been able to score three goals on two consecutive occasions in a Rouge-et-Bleu kit. That honour belongs to Ousmane Dembélé, who became the first player in PSG history to score back-to-back hat-tricks last Saturday.

It has been nine years since Dembélé burst onto the scene for Rennes, quickly emerging as one of the finest talents in Europe and earning a transfer to Borussia Dortmund. He excelled in Germany and was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season, whilst he also spearheaded BVB to their first trophy in five years with a Man of the Match performance in the 2017 DFB-Pokal Final.

This piqued the interest of Barcelona, who splurged a club-record €105 million plus €40 million in bonuses to sign the French winger. Dembélé, however, never came close to justifying Barcelona’s outlay due to persistent injury problems and frustrating decision-making, before departing in 2023 as one of the worst signings in the club’s history. Six years after replacing Neymar Jr. at Barcelona, he was now tasked with replacing Neymar at PSG.

Dembélé thrived on the biggest of stages, scoring in both legs vs. Barcelona to confirm PSG’s spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals and breaking the deadlock in PSG’s 2-1 win vs. Lyon in the Coupe de France Final. And although he didn’t quite manage to fulfil expectations, racking up 6 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances in 2023/24, he’s been able to take his game to the next level and emerge as PSG’s attacking talisman following Kylian Mbappé’s exit to Real Madrid.

There have been various ramifications from Mbappé’s exit. For one, PSG have gone from concentrating their attacks around the left flank to the right side, where Dembélé is mainly utilised. No longer reliant on one player to bang in the goals, PSG have transformed into a more fluid setup that’s predicated upon aggressive pressing.

“Mbappé’s absence has allowed PSG to win the ball back quicker and higher up the pitch, and that’s going to benefit Dembélé who can be there to pounce,” stated Luke Entwistle, the editor-in-chief of Get French Football News. “If he’s not winning the ball back, then his teammates are winning it and feeding him the ball in dangerous areas.”

PSG planned in advance of Mbappé’s exit by signing two of Europe’s most promising young strikers for a combined €165m (bonuses included) in the summer of 2023. However, with neither Randal Kolo Muani (since loaned out to Juventus) nor Gonçalo Ramos adjusting to Luis Enrique’s in-possession demands, the Spaniard has opted to go with a false 9 like Marco Asensio (since loaned out to Aston Villa), Kang-in Lee, or even Dembélé.

Dembélé’s technical quality has never been in doubt; it’s his goal-scoring ability that’s always come under scrutiny. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing him eliminate multiple opponents with a body feint before blasting his shot into Row Z. For a player who’s often struggled with the paradox of his abundance, and who, by his own admission, doesn’t know whether he’s better on his right foot or left, he can now keep things simple and pull the trigger before he has the chance to overthink it. Whereas in previous years, Dembélé would’ve had to wriggle past a sea of opponents and gradually make his way from the right to the middle, he’s regularly receiving in central areas, where he can allow his poaching instincts to take over.

His combination of speed, close control, and unpredictability make him a defender’s nightmare: show him outside, and he’ll use his 1v1 skills to evade the fullback and accelerate towards goal. Show him inside, and he’ll blast a ferocious shot towards or goal or provide a teammate with a flawless pass. It also helps that he’s formulated a lethal partnership with Achraf Hakimi down the right flank, with the Moroccan capable of bombing forward and allowing Ousmane to invert into the half-spaces.

“Ousmane’s role changes depending on the game,” said The Athletic journalist Alex Barker. “He’s been used as a touchline-hugging right winger an inside forward, a false 9, and in midfield. If Hakimi is playing at right back, Dembélé can drift everywhere. If it’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, it’s more likely Dembélé will be used to hold width. He has thrived more in tight spaces in central areas, using his incredible footwork to go directly at defensive midfielders and centre backs.”

*Dembélé passing stats, Ligue 1 2024/25*

Even when Dembélé was enduring a cumbersome start to his PSG career, Enrique threw his support behind the am-bipedal winger, stating: “He’s the most destabilising player in the world.” Today, though, he’s brimming with confidence, and the goals are starting to flow. With the exception of PSG’s match vs. Lens in the Coupe de France, Ousmane has scored in eight of his last nine fixtures.

Prior to this season, Ousmane’s previous career-best goal tally came in 2018/19, when he scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for Barcelona. He’s scored 14 goals in those last nine matches alone (19 across all competitions this season), and he has catapulted himself to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts after a sensational run of form.

At 27 years of age, it seems Dembélé is finally putting two and two together and living up to his world-class potential. He’s still capable of cutting through defences like butter with an impeccable pass and contriving a gilt-edged opportunity; in fact, only Rayan Cherki (0.59) is registering more Expected Assists per 90 in Ligue 1 than Dembélé (0.41). But now, he’s emerging as a high-volume shooter who finds the back of the net more often than not, and with 11 goals in six matches, he has scored the most goals of any player in 2025. The only question is – is this merely a purple patch, or the start of something new?

More than a few teams have suffered Ousmane’s wrath in recent months, including AS Monaco. Ousmane scored a brace against them on December 18 before scoring a 92nd-minute winner in the Trophée des Champions on January 5, and after being rested for their midweek cup tie vs. Le Mans, he’ll be looking to continue his scintillating form vs. the principality side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the action from Ligue 1 on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Amad Diallo: Ruben Amorim’s new talisman at Manchester United?

Sometimes, a career can be characterised by a single moment. For Amad Diallo, that moment came against Liverpool in an FA Cup quarter final clash at Old Trafford last season.

By Ross Kilvington

The young winger had missed most of the season due to a knee injury suffered in pre-season. Named on the bench for the cup tie, Amad Diallo was introduced with just five minutes of normal time remaining as the Red Devils trailed 2-1.

Antony sent the game to extra time before two more goals made it 3-3 and penalties beckoned.

Up stepped the Ivorian. United went on the counter in the dying embers, with Alejandro Garnacho playing the ball into Diallo. He took one touch before slotting home the winner with his left foot, sending Old Trafford into raptures.

*Diallo goal in last season’s thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool*

It was a goal that has proved to be a catalyst for the winger to finally make his mark at United under Rúben Amorim.

Championship loan spell was the making of Diallo

Eyebrows were raised when Ole Gunnar Solskjær signed the 18-year-old starlet from Atalanta, paying an initial fee of £19m to land the player.

Nine appearances during his first 12 months in Manchester suggested Diallo hadn’t exactly received a fair crack at the whip, leading to a six-month loan spell at Rangers between January and May 2022.

A goal five minutes into his debut for the Light Blues should have kickstarted his career, unfortunately, this would be as good as it got for the teenager in Scotland.

He failed to even make an appearance off the bench during the Europa League Final, an occasion when his pace and explosiveness may have been a key asset in extra time. Returning to United at the end of the season, it was evident his next loan move had to be a success.

*Diallo career summary from loan spells*

As such, Sunderland proved to be an ideal destination for Diallo to finally showcase his extraordinary talents. The Ivorian spent the entirety of the 2022/23 season at the Black Cats, coming close to leading them back to the Premier League.

Bearing in mind the club had only just returned to the second tier, Diallo’s 13 league goals fired them to a sixth place finish, thus qualifying for the playoffs.

Furthermore, Diallo ranked in the top 5% for successful dribbles and goals throughout the campaign, while registering 1.39 chances created along with 4.94 touches of the ball in the opposition penalty area per game.

Momentum was hampered after suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal during a pre-season clash against Arsenal in July 2023. Despite his fine season in the North East, it appeared as though his luck was running out to make an impression at Old Trafford.

Step forward Amorim.

Rúben Amorim has brought out the best in Diallo

Ahead of the current season, it was now or never for the 22-year-old. Failing to establish himself as a regular in the starting XI would likely have ensured his exit from the club.

Fully recovered from his injury, the winger finally got the chance he had been waiting for under Erik ten Hag, grabbing it with both hands. A goal against Brighton in just the second league match of the season saw the youngster at his best.

Racing on to a through ball, Diallo took a touch before cutting inside on his left foot, unleashing a shot which, courtesy of a deflection, nestled into the back of the net.

A brace against PAOK Salonika in the Europa League followed in November, yet it has been under Amorim that the former Atalanta sensation has played his best football.

At Sporting, Amorim relied heavily on Viktor Gyökeres. The Swede soon emerged as a talisman for the manager, scoring 43 goals and recording 13 assists for the Portuguese side as they won another domestic title.

Although Diallo operates in a different position to Gyökeres, Amorim has given the player a platform to demonstrate just how good he can be.

*Diallo Premier League shot map, 2024/25*

Indeed, 11 goal contributions – six goals and five assists – have been recorded in just 19 matches under Amorim. His impact in the big matches has arguably been even more impressive.

Against Manchester City in December, United trailed 1-0, before Diallo scored a late winner to seal all three points. During that match, he also took four shots, won the penalty that saw the club equalise while even making four passes into the final third.

Another late goal came against Liverpool a few weeks ago. During the 2-2 draw, the winger succeeded with 100% of his crosses and dribble attempts as well as taking five touches in the opposition penalty area. Shining on the big stage has bolstered his long term prospects at the club.

Amorim’s typical 3-4-3 system sees the 22-year-old operate in his preferred position on the right flank, which has been a key aspect to his stunning form over the previous few months.

*Diallo passing stats, Premier League 2024/25*

Diallo’s selfless nature means he ranks in the top 10% in the top flight for both assists and successful passes. Additionally, a 44.7% cross accuracy ranks him in the top 3%, while Amorim’s philosophy is clearly working wonders for the African winger, who has won possession 26 times in the final third along with taking 124 touches in the opposition penalty area.

The 40-year-old has endured a tricky start to life in Manchester. If he can get Diallo to maintain his level of performance over the next few months, he may have found his new Gyökeres-like talisman.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Manchester United game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

The fight for survival in the Championship sees sides take to the transfer market

With time running out and dice in hand, football clubs across the land have closed their eyes, given a shake, a throw and hoped Lady Luck is on their side. The transfer window casino has shut its doors and it’s high stakes at the bottom of The Championship.

By Sanny Rudravajhala

Survival brings so much hope. Stay up and a tilt at cracking into the top-flight always remains. Fail, and you’ll be taking on Premier League youngsters in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. So, where are we at with 16 games remaining?

Sinking Swans

I’m going to start with the side I’m most worried about. They aren’t even in the bottom three, but alarm bells are sounding at Swansea City. The form table has them bottom but the issues are much deeper for Luke Williams’ side. They’ve taken an incredible gamble in selling Matt Grimes, their ever-present captain and best performer (FotMob average rating: 7.21), to Coventry City and replacing him with Forest loanee Lewis O’Brien.

Grimes had started their last 88 Championship games, and when Frank Lampard is describing him as a ‘leader in the dressing room already’, you’ve got to seriously question what, if any, strategy is in place in south Wales.

Swansea are the poster child for the backlash at possession football for possession’s sake. They rank second behind Leeds with 61% of the ball, but what are they doing with it? It’s nowhere near the box, when you look at the data. They may be 17^th but only Preston, Plymouth and Oxford have had fewer touches inside their opponent’s area, something fundamental for scoring! Their points return at home is equal-third worst in the Championship too. That reads even more painfully when Coventry left there with all three points, off the back of Swansea’s 5-1 capitulation at Norwich. They’ve run aground down by the River Tawe and, for whatever reason, the captain has abandoned ship.

Muslić looking good in Argyle

With his perfect beard, hair and poise in a puffer, Miron Muslić will certainly look better in the 2026 Plymouth Argyle calendar than Wayne Rooney has as Mr January for 2025. On the pitch it looks like we’re seeing a better team too. They showed resilience in their late draw at Sunderland and followed that up at a raucous Home Park in their turnaround against West Brom.

Muslić hasn’t been afraid to throw in his new signings too. Tymoteusz Puchacz has impressed out wide in his five games and the imposing Nikola Katić did well to deal with whatever Albion threw at him on debut. Stealing the show was Ryan Hardie with his double off the bench. By far his best performance this season, Argyle need their No. 9 to keep firing for any chance of escaping the drop.

Norway to go for Derby and Luton

It’s a sorry state for both Derby and Luton, occupying the final relegation spots.

For Derby, bringing in defender Matthew Clarke from Middlesborough is great business and he was impressive at the start of the season. Having lost his place, he’s come to a club he knows well from loan spells and has a chance to strike up a pairing with new Norwegian defender, Sondre Klingen Langås. I know absolutely nothing about him but with a FotMob score of 7.0, he was at least performing well for Viking in the 2024 season. Another from Viking, arriving to these shores, is Lars-Jørgen Salvesen. The striker has opened his account already in their defeat to Cardiff but like Plymouth, Derby have taken a big risk with unknown entities in the Championship.

As for Luton, Matt Bloomfield was an interesting choice to replace the unfortunate Rob Edwards. A year ago, Bloomfield was fighting for his job but such has been Wycombe’s turnaround, concurrent with Luton’s demise, he’s now in the Bedfordshire hotseat. Results are yet to improve but his transfer movements might just do the trick.

FotMob’s roots are in Norway and I don’t know if that’s why, like Derby, they’ve also got their own import from the Eliteserien with forward Lasse Nordås. The 194cm tower from Tromso gives them another option but when it comes to Norwegians, Bloomfield had one man at the top of his shopping list. At just 22-years-old Thelo Aasgaard has seen it all in his short career. I myself saw him break into a Wigan team coming out of financial crisis and his loyalty to the Latics has earned them a decent transfer fee, whilst giving him enough time to develop into Wigan’s star performer, under the tutelage of Shaun Maloney.

*Aasgaard shot map while with Wigan, League One 2024/25*

Aasgaard can score all sorts of goals. He is good in the air and with both feet and his 95^th minute winner, a free kick against Stevenage in what was his penultimate goal in a Wigan shirt, was a thing of beauty.

In Josh Bowler and Isaiah Jones, Bloomfield has also found two experienced EFL players with points to prove. That reminds me of the side Rob Edwards took to promotion. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Luton have underperformed in all areas.

The best of the worst: Hull, Pompey and Cardiff

Out of Hull City’s signings, I hope they make the most of Louie Barry, who has lit up League Two and League One on loan at Stockport from Aston Villa. There’s a reason he became the first ever English player in Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy. He’s a special talent with an eye for the spectacular and I’m expecting magic moments whilst he’s moored in Humberside.

Will Portsmouth stop torturing midfielder Marlon Pack by playing him in central defence? The Pompey captain has been horribly exposed, especially with John Mousinho’s insistence on a high line and pressing from the front. Too often they’ve been turned around, and Pack has been the one caught out. Robert Atkinson on loan from Bristol City is looking the part and adding 20-year old Hayden Matthews should, I hope, allow Pack to get out from the back.

I should end by mentioning the next worst side, Cardiff City, fresh off a 7-0 hiding from Leeds. Callum Robinson’s outstanding season is the only reason Omer Riza’s side aren’t further down the table. His double against rivals Swansea means he’ll never be short of offers for a pint in retirement and with 11 goals from an xG of 6, it’s clear the 30-year-old will magic up more moments before season’s end.

*Robinson shot map, Championship 2024/25*

Deadline Day is done and for the sides at the bottom, it’s time to see whether their gambles in the transfer market pay off. Will the dice read double six or snake eyes? We’ll soon find out.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the EFL Championship on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Preview: Van Nistelrooy takes Leicester to Man United for FA Cup clash

Manchester United host Leicester City on Friday night under the lights in the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be returning to his former club as manager, while Rúben Amorim will be looking to start steering his side back in the right direction.

By Matt Smith

The two sides met earlier in the season in the Premier League and EFL Cup. Van Nistelrooy was, coincidentally, in charge of United for both ties as he stepped in as interim before Amorim arrived. United won both meetings between the two teams this term.

Luke Shaw has ‘small issue’

In his press conference before the FA Cup tie, Amorim confirmed that Luke Shaw had a ‘small issue’, adding that United would have to be careful with the English left-back.

Lisandro Martínez is going to be out for an extended period after picking up a nasty knee injury, while Mason Mount and Jonny Evans remain sidelined.

Time for Amad to step up once again

Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United this season, providing 16 goals and assists combined in all competitions. The 22-year-old, however, is going through a tricky run of form, and Amorim will be desperate to see him step up once again.

Amad has failed to provide a goal contribution in his last five games in all competitions, previously finding the back of the net against Southampton in January, a game where he struck three times. If United are going to turn things around and build some momentum, Amad will need to step up once again.

Young stars make Leicester squad

Van Nistelrooy confirmed that academy stars Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans, who are 15 and 16 years old respectively, will be on the bench at Old Trafford on Friday. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the two young talents, especially if they are given minutes against United.

The Leicester boss added that there are two or three players with light injuries, but he didn’t go into detail.

Time to unleash Buonanotte

Facundo Buonanotte signed on loan from Brighton at the beginning of the season and made an impressive impact at Leicester. The Argentinian forward has provided eight goals and assists combined in all competitions, but he’s struggled for minutes of late.

*Leicester City goals + assists, Premier League 2024/25*

The 20-year-old has failed to start in the last four games for the Foxes, playing zero minutes against Everton last time out. Only Jamie Vardy has more goals and assists combined for Leicester this season, so it could be time for Van Nistelrooy to unleash him once again.

Prediction

Leicester have visited Old Trafford twice this season already, conceding eight goals and losing both games. The Foxes are in a tricky run of form, so it’s difficult to see past a United victory in this one, especially with Amorim’s side playing at home.

We’re going for a 3-1 win for the Red Devils on Friday evening.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the FA Cup with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

The weekend’s big match: What the Madrid Derby means to the city and the title race

Madrid is a city of grandeur. From the boulevards of Gran Vía to the bustling barrios of Malasaña, its heartbeat is both refined and raw. Nowhere is this duality more evident than in the city’s most famous football clubs.

By David Skilling

Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are not just clubs; they are cultural institutions, each representing a distinct identity within the Spanish capital. And when the Derbi Madrileño arrives, the city stands at a crossroads: elegance versus grit, royalty versus rebellion, empire versus resistance.

This weekend, the stakes are higher than ever. Atlético Madrid trails their cross-city rivals by just a single point in a very tight title race. With LaLiga’s balance of power delicately poised, the outcome of this clash will shape not only the season but also the narrative of football in Madrid for months to come.

To understand why this game matters beyond three points, you need to grasp the cultural weight it carries. The rivalry between the two clubs dates back to the early twentieth century when Madrid Foot-Ball Club (later Real Madrid) asserted itself as the capital’s dominant force.

Through mergers and acquisitions, Madrid FC absorbed many smaller clubs and signed the best players from the clubs it couldn’t absorb, leaving only a handful that could compete. The main exception was Athletic Club Madrid (now Atlético Madrid), which maintained its best players with financial aid from its parent club, Athletic Club Bilbao.

As Real Madrid continued to grow in stature, the contrast between the two clubs became more pronounced. Real Madrid, with its royal patronage, symbolized power and establishment success. Atlético, on the other hand, became a bastion for those who opposed Madrid’s supremacy. Many fans of defunct clubs, whose teams had been swallowed up by Real, found refuge in Atlético, creating a deep-seated animosity that persists to this day.

Real Madrid is an institution of dominance, success, and historical prestige. The club’s ties to the Spanish monarchy (hence the Real prefix) and its standing as the team that has asserted the most dominance in European and world football cement its reputation as a global powerhouse. To support Real Madrid is to embrace a legacy of expectation: winning is not a goal; it is an obligation.

Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, has always been the club of resilience. Traditionally associated with working-class supporters, Atléti’s identity is rooted in defiance. Where Real Madrid embodies polished brilliance, Atlético revels in its sufridores – a term for their suffering, unbreakable fans. Their triumphs feel earned through blood, sweat, and Simeone-infused grit. In an era of football gentrification, Atlético has managed to maintain its street-level soul, even as its global stature has risen.

The Madrid Derby has not always been a tight contest. For some periods in the modern era, Atlético played the role of the little brother, enduring extended rough patches like the early 90s through to 2013. The tide, however, has shifted.

Since Diego Simeone’s arrival in 2011, Atlético have carved out their place at the top table, with a much higher win and draw percentage against their rivals. They’ve finished in the top three every season bar one since 2012, lifting two LaLiga titles and consistently challenging Europe’s elite. Their Copa del Rey victory at the Bernabéu in 2013 – a win sealed on enemy territory – remains a defining moment, proving that Atlético were no longer just the little brother.

*2012/13 Copa Del Rey Final, played at the Bernabéu*

Beyond historical sentiment, this weekend’s clash is about the here and now. The title race in LaLiga is close, with a single point being the difference, and Barcelona lurking in the shadows, just three points behind Atlético and four points behind Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s recent form has been strong, apart from a setback against Espanyol in the last game, which they lost 1-0. However, their grip on the league is anything but firm. For Carlo Ancelotti’s side, a win on Saturday would strengthen their control and deal a psychological blow to their domestic competitors.

Atlético Madrid, however, are having a strong season, with one less loss on their record than Los Blancos, and they’re a team that feeds off of big occasions like these. Simeone relishes the big stage, and nothing would satisfy Atlético fans more than chipping away at Real Madrid’s ego and leaping past them in the title charge.

This derby isn’t just about Madrid; it’s about the soul of Spanish football. A Real Madrid victory reinforces the natural order, a kingdom led by an untouchable dynasty. An Atlético win signals a continued shift in power and a statement to the world that they’re not to be underestimated. The result will ripple beyond Spain, shaping the narrative of LaLiga’s competitiveness in a season where the world is watching closely.

*The league’s second top scorers vs. the meanest defence*

For the fans, this match transcends football. It is a chance for the city’s divided residents to express themselves on the grandest stage. The white of Real Madrid against the red and white of Atlético is more than just a colour contrast; it is a clash of ideologies, histories, and ways of living. It’s also a reminder to the world that Madrid is a city with two elite football clubs and that Spanish football is far greater than just the battle of El Clásico.

For those who live and breathe the Derbi Madrileño, the pain or euphoria will linger long after the final whistle. And in a season where fine margins could determine the champion, this is more than just another football match – it’s a battle for legacy and pride.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest’s bargain creator

It is easy to go under the radar as a Nottingham Forest player this season.

By Sam McGuire

Chris Wood, with his 17 Premier League goals this term, is casting a fairly large shadow at the City Ground. Morgan Gibbs-White, rumoured to be a transfer target for Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United over recent weeks, has been pulling the strings for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side too.

Murillo, who recently signed a new contract extension with the club, has caught the eye this term and was even earmarked by some as a potential Virgil van Dijk replacement at Anfield. Matz Sels, a one-time Newcastle United shot-stopper, has been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this term.

So, lots of standout performers. As a result, some are going a little under the radar.

One such player is Anthony Elanga.

When the versatile winger joined Nottingham Forest for £15million in the summer of 2023, a lot of people thought Manchester United were the winners in that particular transfer.

Elanga had three goals and three assists for the Red Devils across 39 Premier League outings. He struggled to cement his place in the starting XI despite United being incredibly inconsistent at the time.

Getting £15million for him was viewed as a good piece of business.

Looking back now, not so much.

Elanga has been a revelation this term for Forest. It is all the more impressive when you consider just how remarkable Espírito Santo and his players have been. With 14 games left to play, Nottingham Forest are third in the table, three points behind second-placed Arsenal and nine off the top, albeit having played a game more. They are six clear of fifth-placed Manchester City and have given themselves a strong chance of claiming Champions League football.

Who had that on their bingo card at the start of the season?

Elanga has played his part in this campaign. Last weekend, he forced his way into the FotMob Team of the Week for his showing against Brighton. The 22-year-old claimed a hat-trick of assists in the historic 7-0 win. His FotMob rating of 9.5 could only be bettered by one player in the Premier League. It just so happens that the one player was his teammate, Wood, for his three-goal showing against the Seagulls.

Brighton had no answer to Elanga. Deployed in a two-man attack with Wood, the former Red Devil was popping up all over the pitch and causing havoc in the final third. He created the most chances in the match (three), had the highest Expected Assists tally (0.99) and only Wood could better his xG Involvement haul of 1.21.

The Sweden international has threatened this sort of devastating performance all season, if truth be told.

He’s chipped in with assists against Liverpool and Newcastle United. He’s scored against Aston Villa, Spurs and Brentford. Elanga has been responsible for 28% of the goals scored by Forest this term. He’s been extremely influential in their attacking play. And the 19-cap international has seemingly found his form at the ideal time too, having chipped in with six assists in his last seven outings for Forest.

Nottingham Forest’s decision to reject a reported £50million bid for him in the summer is now looking like an inspired decision. According to multiple outlets, Newcastle wanted the versatile attacker and stumped up what would’ve been a club-record sale for Forest. Some clubs would’ve jumped at the chance to make a quick £35million profit on a player they’ve had for 12 months.

Had they cashed in on him, the likelihood is that Forest wouldn’t find themselves six points clear of the Magpies in the race for a place in the Champions League.

The East Midlands club deserve credit on two counts. Firstly, for believing in Elanga enough to sanction a £15million deal when others felt it was an overpayment. And then for rejecting a mega offer for a player, believing he would be worth more to them in their team. The gamble appears to have paid off. If Forest get European football, it’ll be more beneficial to them than the transfer fee they would’ve banked last summer.

*Elanga’s passing numbers, Premier League 2024/25*

And clearly, the belief in him has given him a confidence he’d previously been lacking. It’s why his numbers have scaled. For example, he’s on 11 goal involvements in just 1,463 minutes this season. Last term, he finished with 14 goal involvements in almost 2,500 minutes.

Only Mohamed Salah (13), Bukayo Saka (10) and Antonee Robinson (10) have more assists than Elanga (eight) in the English top-flight. He’s an elite chance-creator. His Expected Assists per 90 average has risen from 0.15 last term to 0.21 this time around. He’s more of a creative threat now and this can only be a positive for Forest. He’s created more chances this term (33) than he managed last season (32).

Wood and Gibbs-White are the poster boys for this historic Forest season but, really, it should all be about Elanga. A bargain buy who is now delivering on his early promise.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Pau Cubarsi: Thriving with Barca despite Flick’s high risk tactics

Barcelona’s defence might be vulnerable, but Pau Cubarsí is doing his best to hold things together as one of the best young defenders in the world.

By Graham Ruthven

Lamine Yamal stands out every time Barcelona play. Even as the Catalans ground out an unconvincing 1-0 win over Alavés on Sunday, the 17-year-old produced an outrageous dribble that saw him pass no fewer than seven opponents in a manner that was evocative of the moments Lionel Messi frequently produced in blaugrana.

Less eye-catching, however, is Pau Cubarsí. That, of course, is a byproduct of the teenager’s role as a centre-back, but Cubarsí should similarly be in the conversion around the best young players in the world even if he can’t dribble past seven opponents at a time. He might already be one of the best defenders around.

Cubarsí’s job in Hansi Flick’s system isn’t an easy one. The German coach likes to position his backline high up the pitch. Extremely high. This means there is frequently half the pitch behind Cubarsí for the 18-year-old to protect. Against some of the most dangerous forward lines in LaLiga and Europe, this has been a challenge.

It’s a challenge, however, that Cubarsí has embraced. Indeed, the teenager’s recovery instincts have been sharpened by Flick’s approach with Iñigo Martínez partnering Cubarsí more than any other player this season. Between the two of them, Barca have a strong enough defensive foundation to impose their game.

“Tactically, we train the defensive line but above all it is a matter of communication, that the four of us communicate and that we work well together. If one goes out, the others follow the line,” said Cubarsí when asked to explain the work that goes into making such a high defensive line work at the elite level.

“When I see it from the outside I think ‘ugh, a ball behind our backs could hurt us’, but on the pitch you trust the line and your teammates. If we all work together, they’ll be offside. It’s not the same if the ball is played by a center-back, who is farther away, as opposed to a midfielder. We also pay attention to whether the ball is under pressure or not. If there’s pressure, it’s easier to push up because it’s harder to play it behind us.”

A lesser player would have crumbled under the pressure of holding things together at the back for a club of Barcelona’s size and stature. Cubarsí, however, has grown with the weight of responsibility. Some have even talked about the 18-year-old as a future Barcelona captain. He is seen as a worthy successor to the likes of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol.

This season, Cubarsí is averaging 81 completed passes per 90 minutes in LaLiga. Of the Barca players who have started more than 10 games, only Martínez ranks above the 18-year-old, illustrating how the Catalans have the passing range to play out on either side with Martínez usually the left-sided centre back and Cubarsí on the right.

*Curbasí’s passing numbers per 90, LaLiga 2024/25*

Unlike Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí wasn’t included in the Spain squad that won Euro 2024. Nonetheless, the 18-year-old is a big part of the national team’s future, starting Spain’s last UEFA Nations League match – a 3-2 win over Switzerland. Barring injury, Cubarsí will surely be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

At club level, though, Cubarsí has plenty to achieve as part of a Barca team that is finally moving on from the Messi era. The conveyer belt out of La Masia is rolling again with Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, Gavi, Pedri and Fermín López all key figures having come through the Catalan club’s famed youth academy.

Across Europe, clubs are spending fortunes to find the centre back of the future. Manchester United paid £52m for Leny Yoro. Wesley Fofana cost Chelsea £70m. Joško Gvardiol came with a price tag of £75m for Manchester City (before Pep Guardiola converted the Croatian to a marauding left back).

That Barcelona can produce someone of Cubarsí’s talent in-house is such an advantage and it’s only through years of financial mismanagement that the club has turned back to La Masia. Homegrown players like Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal and co. are getting Barca out of the hole they dug for themselves.

Ultimately, Flick’s approach may be too reckless for Barca to win LaLiga or the Champions League this season. Barcelona might not be able to outscore every opponent they face with the system too extreme in its emphasis on the attack. If Barca can find the right balance, though, Cubarsí could be just as important to them as Lamine Yamal. Even without the dribbles.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Barcelona game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Feb

2025

Preview: Valencia face daunting Barca test in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals

Two of Spanish football’s most historic clubs clash in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, with Carlos Corberán hoping and praying his side can do a little better than the last time they faced Hansi Flick’s Barca.

By Alex Roberts

It’s been less than two weeks since Barcelona beat Valencia 7-1 but, if anything, Valencia were lucky it was only that. They had absolutely no answer to Barca’s ruthless attacking efficiency, although they managed to bounce back with a much-needed win over Celta Vigo in the game after.

Barca, on the other hand, seem to have navigated their way through a real rocky patch of form, winning seven of their last nine games across all competitions, easing any pressure on their German manager.

His head is already in Liverpool

Giorgi Mamardashvili hasn’t exactly set the world alight since his move to Anfield and subsequent loan back to Valencia, he was arguably the worst player on the pitch the last time these two sides met, and that’s saying something.

His LaLiga save percentage is well below what it was last season, 57.5% percent compared to 72.5. Yes, Valencia as a side have been poor, but Mamardashvili isn’t bailing his side out like he used to.

He didn’t have much to do in the win over Celta, but when he was called up, he stood on business, ending his game having made one save, six recoveries, and a decent 36% long ball accuracy rate.

*Mamardashvili’s player radar has taken a hit this season*

Lamine YaMessi

Lamina Yamal is an anomaly and he’s only getting better, breaking Lionel Messi‘s record for most dribbles attempted (21) and completed (11) in a single game in LaLiga for Barcelona in their 1-0 win over Deportivo Alavés.

He was just about the only player that didn’t score in Barca’s 7-1 win over Valencia last month, but he still had a major impact, providng the assist for Frenkie de Jong’s third minute opener.

Barca’s continued reliance in the 17-year-old is fully justified, let’s just hope he avoids the fate of some many La Masia graduates in recent years, we’re looking at you Ansu Fati.

A less than ideal injury

Sitting in the relegation zone, few players have managed to impress for Valencia as much as Javier Guerra has and after going off injured in the win over Celta, he’s a major doubt for the visit from Barca.

He bagged what turned out to be the winner in the 68^th minute before going off 12 minutes later, helping his side reach the dizzying heights of 19^th, just four points from behind Espanyol, who beat Real Madrid 1-0, in 17^th.

There are plenty of league games to go, but a decent Copa de Rey run would give the fans something to celebrate that isn’t just survival. That would be a hell of a lot harder to accomplish if Guerra isn’t on the field.

Ready for round two

Fermín López didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Deportivo Alavés, instead Barcelona kept him at the training ground in some sort of Dragon Ball Z healing tank, ready to unleash him on Valencia like Goku on Frieza.

Nerdy references aside, López was incredible in the 7-1 win, scoring a brace and providing two assists in what was easily his best performance since breaking into the first team last season. His face will be the last thing Valencia fans want to see on Thursday.

Prediction

It’s hard to imagine it been any worse for Valencia this time around, but we still reckon they’ll get beaten fairly comprehensively. We’re going to go with 4-1 to Barca.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Copa Del Rey with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.