Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Predictions

• Atletico Madrid have lost only one of six in La Liga, as have Real Madrid
• Three of the last eight derbies have finished 1-1
• Both teams’ form nosedived after last season’s 3-2 win for Real in March

Cynical clash could be on the cards

The Madrid derby is already upon us and, with Diego Simeone going up against Jose Mourinho in the dugout, the clash could be more cynical and controversial than usual. This is a game that neither club dare lose after what happened last season.

Each of the rivals won at home in La Liga, with Real clinching a 3-2 win at the Bernabeu in March thanks to a 72nd-minute Vinicius Junior winner. Los Blancos had just beaten Manchester City in the Champions League while Atleti had lost to Spurs, albeit doing enough to go through on aggregate, but momentum matters in this matchup.

This year, both clubs come into it with similar records – Atleti have won back-to-back La Liga games to nil against Real Sociedad and Osasuna while Mourinho’s men have strung three wins together – over Inter Milan, Rayo Vallecano and Elche.

Fear of failure to rule on Sunday

Last season’s contest marked a turning point in both clubs’ campaigns, however, as Simeone’s side lost four of the next six and crashed out of the Copa del Rey on penalties to end their bid for silverware. Real Madrid also faltered badly down the stretch, so a more pragmatic approach to this clash is expected from the new coach.

The fear of losing is likely to rule and so back a draw with few goals. Three of the last eight Madrid derbies have finished 1-1 so that looks like a good bet on Sunday.