This Sunday, Spanish soccer will experience a gala day when Real Madrid, the league leader, faces second-placed Atlético de Madrid in a Madrid derby full of excitement and tension. The battle for the lead arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu on matchday 23, where both teams, with only one point and six goals separating them, will be looking to take a decisive step in the fight for the championship.
Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
Broadcast: ESPN Deportes/ESPN+
With a total of 299 meetings between the two, of which 175 were in La Liga, the Madrid derby has established itself as the most repeated duel in the history of Spanish soccer. The record favors Real Madrid, with 153 wins to Atletico's 74 and 72 draws.
The active player with the most derbies played is Koke Resurrección, the red and white captain, with 43 matches. In terms of goals, Antoine Griezmann is the top active scorer, with 9 goals in these matches.
How do the teams arrive?
Real Madrid came into this match with a 1-0 defeat against Espanyol de Barcelona, in a match in which they dominated in possession (77%) and shots (21), but failed to score. The winning goal for the home side came in the 85th minute, scored by Carlos Romero.
Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid is on a positive streak after beating Mallorca 2-0, with goals from Samuel Lino and the always dangerous Antoine Griezmann. A highlight was the brilliant performance of Slovakian goalkeeper Dominik Greif, who prevented a goal.
Atlético de Madrid is the team that has suffered the fewest defeats (2) and also the fewest goals (14) in the whole season, which seems to be the trend since 'Cholo' Simeone took over the red and white leadership more than a decade ago.
👏 Congratulations, @KMbappe!
✨ Five Star Player - January.
⚽ @futbolmahou pic.twitter.com/mGSBRKTDJ5- Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 6, 2025
Key Players
Real Madrid:
- Kylian Mbappé: With 15 goals and 2 assists, he is the main offensive star.
- Vinícius Júnior: Contributed 8 goals and 5 assists.
- Jude Bellingham: With 7 goals and 6 assists, his contribution is fundamental.
- Rodrygo: 6 goals and 5 assists.
Atlético de Madrid:
- Antoine Griezmann: The red and white striker with 8 goals and 4 assists.
- Alexander Sorloth: With 8 goals and 1 assist, he continues to be key in attack.
- Julián Álvarez: The promising young player has 6 goals and 2 assists.
- Rodrigo De Paul: He has 3 goals and 3 assists in the midfield.
Forecasts
Real Madrid is the favorite with a winning odds of -116, the draw in second place with +275 and the victory of Atletico Madrid with odds of +300.
The total is set at 2.5, 3 being "More than" -105 and "Less than" -116.
The handicap for Real Madrid -0.5 is set at -116 and for Atletico Madrid +0.5 at -105.
Will both teams score? Yes at odds of -153 and No at +113.
If the last goal is for Real Madrid the odds are -162, +144 for Atlético de Madrid and if the option is none (none) the odds are +1200.
These and more lines are available, remember that they are all dynamic and can change constantly.
This Madrid derby will be key in the fight for the lead in La Liga. With both teams in great form and big names on the pitch, it promises to be a decisive match for the future of the championship. Don't miss it!
