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The Wanda Wall
Atlético Madrid have been arguably the toughest opponents for Real Madrid since Simeone took the reigns at the mattress makers. While Real Madrid have largely won when it counted we’ve also lost a Copa del Rey final and UEFA supercup final to the noisy neighbours.
Our Liga record in the derbi away from home is 3 wins, 3 losses and 5 draws. The most likely outcome is a draw but it comes down to a coin toss as to who will emerge victorious
Xabi Alonso will have a task on his hands to overcome Cholo-ball. Xabi’s unpredictability will surely give Real Madrid the edge but this is always Atlético’s biggest game of the season. They will leave everything out there especially playing in front of the home crowd.
Wonder-Ball
Real Madrid’s perfect start to the season has had a bit of everything. Huijsen has been sent off. Rudiger is out injured along with Trent. Asencio is working his way back into the good graces of Madridistas. Vinicius and Rodrygo have been sharing the Left-Wing while Franco Mastantuono is virtually unchallenged on the right. Arda Guler’s importance has grown and Alvaro Carreras has become indispensable.
The team’s press has improved significantly but as with all things, it requires time. The use of the ball hasn’t been left solely to genius as previously done by Don Carletto. This time there’s some direction or assistance. The players know what to do on the ball more often than not and they will get better at it.
Favourites
Real Madrid’s 100% record makes them favourites going into the derbi. We might want to rip up the form book but this case feels different. In previous years we went into these kinds of game knowing what to expect from ourselves. This is Xabi’s first big game in the dugout. It is unlikely that this game will determine La Liga but it is always crucial to put pressure on Barcelona by winning the derbi. Once we win the derbi, it becomes difficult for opponents to see us dropping points.
The Best XI.. So far. Still No Gala XI
Courtois – Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras, Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, Arda Guler, Vinicius, Kylian and Franco Mastantuono. I doubt anyone can honestly argue these are not the top performers of the season so far. Under previous regimes, the XI would pick itself. For Xabi Alonso it will be the best XI for the tactical approach required for this game. We might even see Gonzalo Garcia starting.
The Kids Are Alright
Joan Martinez has recovered well from his injury and is a mainstay in the Castilla back 4 for Arbeloa. The teenager still has some way to go before he’s physically ready to play for the first team. Fingers crossed he’ll get to January in great shape and can hopefully start training with the first team.
