Real Madrid extended their winning streak in La Liga after a comfortable victory against Getafe away from home. Now, they will come up against a tougher opponent in Atletico Madrid, who happens to be the only side that has defeated them in the league this season.
Match details
Date: Sunday, 4th February
Competition: La Liga
Matchday: 23
Time: 22:00 CEST
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Match preview
A brace from Joselu secured a 2-0 victory for the Merengues, who sit at the top of the table. However, they must now ensure that they do not drop any further points, as any slip-up from here on may prove to be costly.
Real Madrid have lost two games this season, both against Atletico Madrid – once in the Copa Del Rey and earlier in La Liga. The Copa Del Rey defeat knocked the Merengues out of contention for the King’s Cup.
But arguably, Real Madrid have been the in-form side this season and this is shown by the 10-point difference between the city rivals.
Atletico Madrid have played a rather different brand of football than they are usually known for. 44 goals to show for it in the league – just Girona and Real having more. Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata have been in sublime form, scoring 13 and 11 goals respectively.
The defense of Los Blancos has to be top-notch to prevent those two from causing any danger. Speaking of defensive duties, Rüdiger was not training on the eve of the match but is named in the squad. Carlo Ancelotti may not risk him as they have tougher fixtures coming up.
Camavinga starting at left-back, Carvajal on the right with Nacho and Mendy being the center-back pairing is not ruled out. Carlo may want to start the Spaniard as a right-back where he has been in fantastic form this season.
In Tchouaméni’s absence, Camavinga may also start in the midfield as he provides defensive solidity. The duo of Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde will then partner up with the Frenchman but Modrić starting is also not ruled out.
Jude Bellingham returned to the lineup and although he was not on the scoresheet, the Englishman had a good game in the midfield. Jude had one of his best games against Atletico in the Copa Del Rey and would want to repeat his performance, but this time, would want to be on the winning side.
Joselu repaid the faith Ancelotti showed in him after he scored a brace and it remains to be seen whether the Italian will persist with him or would Rodrygo return to the team, partnering up with Vinícius up front.
There are injury problems but that has been the story this season for the Merengues. They are on a 16-game winning streak in the league and would look to extend it. What better to do so against the only side who have managed to beat you this season?
