Madrid derby as Real and Atletico go head to head in Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey holders Real Madrid can get their revenge on fierce city rivals Atletico for the Spanish Super Cup defeat earlier in the season, with the two teams set to clash in what translates to the King’s Cup.
That loss is actually the result that prevents Carlo Ancelotti’s side recording a clean sweep of trophies this term, after Los Blancos got the ball rolling with a UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla, followed by their recent FIFA World Club Championship triumph.
Diego Simeone’s side are 5/2 for the win, which will be Fernando Torres’ first match after re-joining his boyhood club on loan from AC Milan. Perhaps surprisingly, the 30-year-old has never scored against Real, but is 2/1 to do so in the anytime market.
Following his unveiling, which saw 45k fans turn out, he admitted he was “overwhelmed” by the reception he received.
“I’m overwhelmed by the displays of affection, which are always many more than I expect, many more than I deserve and it’s been amazing,” Torres said. “I didn’t expect so many people, so devoted, it’s been very exciting.
“Other than the welcome and everything else, I will be personally satisfied that my children will see me playing at the club where I was born, the one I’ve always followed,” he continued.
“And the situation of seeing them dressed in red and white at the Calderon, each scoring one goal.”
However, Mario Mandzukic will be keen to prove that he is still worthy of starting as the lone striker, despite reports emerging that he can leave. The Croatia centre forward has netted 14 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions this season, and is 6/1 to break the deadlock.
Gareth Bale, who struck a sensational winner in the final against Barcelona, 6/1 to again round off the scoring. The 25-year-old is yet to net against Atleti, though he is credited with an assist against them in the 2-2 draw last term.
Leading marksman this season with 33 goals in all competitions, Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted in the Champions League final, is 7/2 to open the scoring, while the Atleti’s Diego Godin who gave his team the lead in the Estadio da Luz, has odds of 15/2 in the anytime market. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann bagged a brace last time out, and is 15/2 to dispatch first.