Nearly 10 days after creating a dramatic match in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid reunited. But tonight, instead of playing as a neutral side in Saudi Arabia, Atletico will play at home at Wanda Metropolitano against Real Madrid in the 1/8 round of the Spanish King's Cup.
Time, location, live channel
Time: 03:30 on January 19 (Vietnam time)
Location: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium (Madrid)
Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez
VAR: Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes
Live channel: TVE, TVP Sport, PrimeTel
Form
Including a 3-5 defeat after extra time against Real Madrid, Atletico have lost 2 of their last 5 matches in all competitions (won 2, drew 1). Notably, their scoring rate is quite high - 13 goals/5 matches, however, the brand in coach Diego Simeone's defensive playing style has been lost this season, with... 13 goals conceded/5 matches in the past.
However, Los Rojiblancos have more time off. Because since the Super Cup semi-final, they have had a break for more than a week, while Real Madrid still have to play in the final.
The problem is that Los Blancos' physical condition is very high, because in the championship match, they crushed Barcelona 4-1 - Vinicius Junior scored a hat-trick, extending the winning streak to 7 matches and the unbeaten streak to 21.
Confrontation, statistics
Real Madrid have an outstanding head-to-head record against Atletico, with 116 wins in 234 meetings. Atletico have won 58 matches.
Real Madrid have scored a total of 40 goals in 19 La Liga games so far this season - only Girona have scored more in the competition than Los Blancos. Atletico have also scored 39 goals in 19 matches.
Real Madrid are on a 7-match winning streak in all competitions. The last match they did not win was a 1-1 draw with Real Betis in December last year.
Real Madrid have won just one of their last three games against Atletico in all competitions.
Human resources
For Atletico Madrid, Thomas Lemar and Vitolo are injured, reinildo Mandava is in charge of the national team, while the ability to play of Memphis Depay and Pablo Barrios depends on their physical condition.
As for Real Madrid, the long-term injury list still has Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba. Aurelien Tchouameni has some physical problems, so it is uncertain whether coach Carlo Ancelotti will take a risk with him, when he has enough options as well as the excitement from the players.
Expected lineup
Atletico (3-5-2): Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Hermoso; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Morata, Griezmann
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Fernandez, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Jr.
Assessment
In the first leg of La Liga this season, Real Madrid lost 1-3 at Wanda Metropolitano, but their current form and state of mind at the moment are different. Despite Atletico being more cautious and determined, the chance of a debt collection is still underrated.
Prediction
Real Madrid wins, the match will have more than 2.5 goals, Real Madrid scores first, Vinicius is on the scoreboard.
