Atletico-Madrid: A different scene to last season

Atletico-Madrid: A different scene to last season

The derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid may have changed from last season. The Rojiblanco have altered their defensive style to try to be more creative. Meanwhile, the Blancos want the opposite — more guaranteed in defence and balance when they don’t have the ball. Both go into Sunday’s game with doubts, because Diego Simeone’s side are conceding more goals than previously and because Madrid have, occasionally, struggled in attack. 

However, the difference is that Atletico have signed players in an attempt to initiate this change, while Real have maintained the same players more or less, albeit improving their bench. As for the mood in both camps, Rafa Benitez’s side arrive in better shape, with Simeone’s men having lost two matches in a row, provoking a small amount of insecurity. On top of that, Madrid are out for revenge after losing 4-0 at the Vicente Calderon in the league last season. 

FIERCE GAME  

The changes in both teams — the home side making signings and the visitors appointing a new manager — mean the scene is not the same as we have been accustomed to recently. Madrid will continue as favourites, though, due to their quality. But the Simeone factor and the fact it’s at the Calderon evens things out. It will be a fierce game, like in recent years, even if Raul Garcia has now left Atletico. 

Madrid look set to welcome back Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos to their starting lineup, with both having missed matches in recent weeks. It means Benitez could be set to call on his strongest lineup, although Pepe and Danilo are still missing. Simeone will have to decide which of his strikers he uses. Angel Correa has been in fine form and Antoine Griezmann is a given, but he often likes to start with Fernando Torres leading the line.