One of the biggest games of the Spanish football calendar is the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The pair clash on Sunday at the Bernabeu in a big game for both teams in La Liga.
Ancelotti’s men back on topLos Blancos returned to the summit of La Liga in midweek with a 2-0 win at another city rival, Getafe. The victory moved Carlo Ancelotti’s team back to the top of the table and two points clear of nearest rivals Girona.
The win over Getafe made the home team unbeaten in their last 16 games in the Spanish top-flight. Real have also won the previous six matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid has been formidable of late at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga, as they are unbeaten on home soil in the Spanish top-flight in 15 games, having recorded 13 wins and two draws.
Atletico is resurgentLos Colchoneros head into this game on a solid run of recent form as a 2-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano last time out was their third straight victory in the Spanish top-flight.
The good run of recent form has moved Atletico up to third place in the Spanish top-flight table, but they are only two points clear of fifth-place Athletic Club in the race to ensure a top-four finish this season.
One facet of Atletico’s game that needs to improve to secure a place in next season’s Champions League is their away form.
A 1-0 win at Granada in their last away game in La Liga ended a four-game losing streak for the visitors on their travels in the Spanish top-flight.
What am I backing?El Derbi Madrileno tends to be a pretty even affair. I can see this encounter being similar.
However, the bet I am backing is a narrow home win, as Real Madrid seem to have built up some ominous form in recent months, and I believe they may edge the encounter.