HP Terbaru 2023 – Atletico meet Real in Supercopa Madrid Derby

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By Matt Smith

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Diego Simeone will be hoping for a repeat of the last meeting between the two teams, which saw Atlético secure a 5-2 win in LaLiga back in September. 

Neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of the last meeting in this competition, where an eight-goal thriller was played out, with Real Madrid securing a 5-3 victory back in 2024.

Team news

Atlético will be without both Clément Lenglet and Nicolás González for this one, while Pablo Barrios is a doubt after he was substituted due to injury last time out. 

As for Madrid, Kylian Mbappé remains on the treatment table, while Éder Militão is also out. Brahim Díaz is currently enjoying himself and leads the race for the golden boot at the African Cup of Nations with Morocco, but Trent Alexander-Arnold could return, as he’s been named in the squad following his injury.

Simeone’s defensive solidity continues

No team in LaLiga has conceded fewer goals per 90 minutes than Atlético Madrid (including Real Madrid) this season, Simeone will be hoping for a little more in terms of attacking output ahead of the second half of the season, but he’ll have minimal complaints with his side defensively.

Atlético are preparing to face one of the best attacking sides in Europe in this clash, but they more than held their own in the last meeting. It’s been an impressive few months for Simeone’s side, losing just twice since 21st October.

Real Madrid bouncing back

It’s safe to say it’s not been a perfect season for Madrid, particularly in LaLiga where they sit four points behind Barcelona. Xabi Alonso’s side have started to turn a corner in recent weeks, winning four games on the bounce in all competitions.

The loss of Mbappé was expected to hurt Madrid, considering the phenomenal impact he’s made this season in terms of goal contributions, but it certainly didn’t seem that way last time out. Madrid secured a comfortable 5-1 victory over Real Betis, with Mbappé’s replacement stealing the headlines…

Garcia steps into Mbappé’s shoes

Many Real Madrid supporters will have been worried when it was confirmed that Mbappé was going to be on the sidelines this month, but his replacement has slotted in seamlessly. Gonzalo García made just his second league start of the season last time out, and Alonso couldn’t have asked for more.

The 21-year-old his a hat-trick in Mbappé’s place, helping Madrid secure a 5-1 victory. You’d imagine he’s done enough to keep his place in the starting XI, and he’ll be hoping to put his name up in lights once again.

Prediction

It’s a difficult game to predict, with local rivalry games often throwing up surprises. Despite García’s impact last time out, it could be tough for Alonso’s men without Mbappé. We’re going for a 2-1 win to Atlético.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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