What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Real Madrid (1st; 23 points) vs Atletico Madrid (6th; 14 points)
When: Sunday 7th November, 2010, at 20:00 UK time
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
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Real Madrid will be breathing a sigh of relief to be coming back this weekend to the stronghold that is the Santiago Bernabeu. After a drab 0-0 Copa del Rey draw with Real Murcia and having to recover from falling behind against both Hercules and AC Milan, Los Blancos will be eager to return to more familiar surroundings and consolidate their lead at the top of the table, as they prepare to endure a tough month, starting with a weekend derby with fierce crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid.
Jose Mourinho’s gladiators were on course to complete their Champions League qualification, being as they were in the driving seat against Milan at the San Siro. However, the introduction of legend Filippo Inzaghi turned the tables; the ever-young poacher put the Rossoneri 2-1 ahead before a Pedro Leon equaliser levelled the score for Real Madrid in injury time. Now, Los Blancos must make use of the lessons they learned in Italy as they prepare to tackle El derbi Madrileno.
A Win but …
Atletico Madrid might have edged out Rosenborg in their Europa League rematch in Norway, but that doesn’t conceal the fact that the Mattress Makers largely looked unconvincing in doing so. For now, this must be quickly forgotten as they prepare to face Real once more, knowing full well that it has been eleven years now since they recorded a win over their next-door neighbours. It is a burden which weighs heavily on the shoulders of all at the Vicente Calderon.
Quique Sanchez Flores was quick to fancy his side’s chances of recording a precious win over the current Primera Division leaders for the first time in many seasons though, citing the importance of star man and World Cup best player Diego Forlan in the process: "I have no doubt about Forlan. If there is any player who can score a hat-trick in any game, and even the game on Sunday, it is Diego Forlan. This is a year where he has been good enough to win the Golden Ball."
Recent form
Real Madrid:
Real Murcia 0-0 Real Madrid (26/10; Copa del Rey)
Hercules 1-3 Real Madrid (30/10; La Liga)
AC Milan 2-2 Real Madrid (03/11; Champions League)
Atletico Madrid:
Las Palmas 0-5 Atletico Madrid (25/10; Copa del Rey)
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Almeria (31/10; La Liga)
Rosenborg 1-2 Atletico Madrid (04/11; Europa League)
Key absences
Real Madrid: Lassana Diarra (doubt); Kaka; Ezequiel Garay; Fernando Gago
Atletico Madrid: Jose Antonio Reyes (doubt); Juanito (doubt); Sergio Asenjo (doubt); Borja (doubt); Diego Godin; Luis Perea (suspension)
Players to watch
Real Madrid – Iker Casillas: For the first time this season, on Wednesday Real Madrid conceded two goals in a single game. Part of this was due to the uncharacteristically poor judgment of Casillas, who certainly wasn’t at his best against both Milan and Hercules. Excellent handling will be key should the glovesman want to ensure his team maximum points. While another less than adequate display would pile the pressure on this Los Blancos icon.
Atletico Madrid – Diego Forlan: The Uruguay international was a substitute in midweek Europa League action, with his coach aiming for him to be fully fit for the Madrid derby. One of the fiercest strikers out there, the former Manchester United player could cause the Madrid defence all sorts of problems; especially should they be as sloppy as they were against Milan.
Match prediction
The nine-time European champions have been invincible at home this campaign. Add to that the Jose Mourinho factor and three points for Atletico Madrid seem to be impossible. Los Colchoneros will cause lots of problems for the hosts, but Real should still come out with a 2-1; possibly 3-1 win if they really dominate proceedings.
