The Supercopa de Espana semi-finals get underway in Saudi Arabia this week, with the first leg between arch-rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid taking place on Wednesday.
The two sides are separated by 10 points in the La Liga standings, with fifth-placed Atletico trailing table-topping Real Madrid.
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It is worth noting, however, that Diego Simeone’s side secured a 3-1 victory over Los Blancos in the league back in September. Who will come out on top this time around?
Real Madrid head into Wednesday’s clash on the back of a 3-1 win against Arandina in the Copa del Rey, courtesy of goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo.
Not only did Carlo Ancelotti’s men enjoy 78% possession on Saturday, but they also racked up 15 shots, limiting their opponents to a solitary attempt on target.
That victory extended Real Madrid’s winning streak to five matches, with 10 triumphs coming in their previous 11 encounters across all competitions.
Having avoided defeat in each of their last 19 games – notching 16 victories in the process – Los Blancos are in excellent form right now.
Atletico Madrid also enjoyed an easy 3-1 win in the Copa del Rey last weekend, with Memphis Depay bagging a brace in the victory over Lugo.
Following a 4-3 defeat to Girona, it was vital that Simeone’s side returned to winning ways last time out, as they have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
Indeed, Atletico have recorded four wins, one draw and three losses in their previous eight clashes across all competitions.
Given that Simeone’s men suffered only two defeats in their opening 18 matches this season, it’s fair to say that Atleti are not in great form at the moment.
Head-to-head: Thanks to September’s 3-1 victory, Atletico Madrid have lost just one of their last five meetings with Real Madrid.
It is also worth noting that Atletico avoided defeat to Los Blancos in the Supercopa de Espana between 2014 and 2020, picking up one win and two draws in that time.
Team news: Real Madrid will be without the injured quartet of Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Lucas Vazquez and Eder Militao for the foreseeable future.
As for Atletico, Thomas Lemar and Vitolo remain sidelined through injury, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Pablo Barrios are doubts for Wednesday.
With neither side wanting to hand over an advantage, the first leg is destined to be a close-fought battle between two top teams.
Forebet predicts that Real Madrid and Atletico will play out an eventful draw, with both sides scoring over 1.5 goals.