Carlo Ancelotti praised his side for their “coolness” in beating Liverpool with a score 5:2 in a Champions League blockbuster midweek. Madrid lost at the start of the match with a score of 0:2, after which they managed to achieve a positive result. Maintaining composure is essential if they are to encroach on Barcelona’s eight-point lead at the top of La Liga. Moreover, the “creamy” are preparing for the 232nd El Derby Madrileno against fellow countrymen from Atletico. Three straight clean sheets in La Liga home games and no losses in La Liga since March last year will keep Los Blancos fans looking forward to another success against the city’s opponent. What’s more, they haven’t lost to the Mattresses at home since February 2016 and extending the streak would be a fitting way to pay tribute to former player, coach and honorary president Amancio Amaro, who passed away earlier this week. Today Chuameni, Mendy, Diaz and Alaba, who has a muscle injury, will not be able to help the team.
Having been knocked out of European competition before Christmas and lost to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Atletico can now focus exclusively on the league this season. And that means they have to be fresher than their battle-weary rivals. Indeed, after that cup defeat, the team went on a four-match unbeaten streak, despite scoring only one goal in each of these fights. Manager Diego Simeone called the latest 1:0 victory over Athletic Bilbao a “huge win” but he understands one goal may not be enough to beat Real Madrid and cement the ambition to finish in the top four. For 22 rounds of the current championship, the “mattress” chalked up 12 victories and five peaceful outcomes, which corresponds to 41 points and the fourth position in the standings. Today de Paul and Lemar, who has a knee injury, will not be able to enter the football field. More soccer win predictions can be obtained from the link provided.
