Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Predictions

• Real Madrid appear vulnerable due to their defensive injuries
• Atletico Madrid have not lost any of the last seven derbies in 90 minutes
• They have not won at the Bernabeu since 2016 with six of the last seven derbies being drawn after 90 minutes

Derby could be disappointing

Saturday’s clash of Real Madrid and Atletico, the top two in La Liga, could turn out to be a bit of a letdown with the home side in the midst of a defensive injury crisis. On paper, this is a huge chance for Diego Simeone’s side to overtake their rivals by winning at the Bernabeu for the first time since 2016.

But Carlo Ancelotti is a master at finding solutions and managing his way out of tight spots like this and it would be no surprise to see the Italian tactician conjure up a way to stifle the high-flying Rojiblancos.

Atleti have won 19 of their last 21 games in all competitions and remain undefeated against Real Madrid inside 90 minutes in any of the last seven league and cup derbies. So there is plenty of reason to back them to avoid defeat again in this clash.

Defensive problems mount for Ancelotti

Real Madrid will be without long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, plus injured duo Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Rüdiger while there is a doubt about the fitness of David Alaba. One or both of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni could be deployed in Ancelotti’s back four while the coach will hope his plan to rest Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe from the midweek Copa del Rey clash pays off big time.

This is a big game, but for Real Madrid it is one to survive and not necessarily thrive in. A draw would be an acceptable result in the circumstances and history suggests it is always a likely option when these two collide.

Six of the last seven league and cup derbies have finished all square after 90 minutes with four of those contests deadlocked at 1-1 when the full-time whistle was blown.