Atleti to stifle Real in Madrid derby
Diego Simeone will need to come out fighting in the Madrid derby on Sunday, after the Mattress Makers have made something of a laboured start to the campaign.
Atleti were beaten 2-0 by a struggling Bayer Leverkusen in their midweek Champions League action, not ideal preparation to take on a side who have won all seven of their competitive outings so far this term.
Real Madrid did not look convincing last season, even in their run to the Champions League crown it was only really the final where they produced an assured performance.
However, the triumph appears to have lifted the group and they will need to continue in this vein with Barcelona returning to battle it out for the La Liga title this season.
Process
Five games in it is important not to read too much into expected goals (xG) data, although it still offers an insight into how the side’s have performed in a small sample size so far.
The hosts have not yet been convincing in front of goal so far this term, scoring nine goals from 8.1 xGF in five outings and ranking 11th in the division for their early attacking process.
It has been a different story for the Galacticos, Real have scored 15 goals from 14.9 xGF in just five outings, a mightily strong process and one that suggests that Barca and Real could streak away at the top of the league this season.
In terms of goals against, Atleti have performed marginally better than Real, although their process is worse, however with the visitors arriving as favourites it feels as if Simeone may well revert to type and opt to set Atleti up to be hard to break down.
Real rank fifth for defensive process and will be confident heading into this one off the back of a Champions League victory over RB Leipzig.
Goals?
Derby games could be a leveller, and Simeone could be more pragmatic due to the importance of the fixture, and how it will reflect on the club’s start to the season.
Atleti have scored in five of seven.
Atleti have conceded in five of seven.
Atleti have seen both teams score in three of seven.
Atleti have seen over 2.5 goals in three of seven.
Real have scored in seven of seven.
Real have conceded in five of seven.
Real have seen both teams score in five of seven.
Real have seen over 2.5 goals in six of seven.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
We take a half loss thanks to Mario Hermoso's late goal, 2-1 Real.