Big Match Breakdown: Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Published:
Pair face off in UEFA Super Cup in Tallinn
La Liga giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also dominated Europe last season. Los Blancos lifted a third successive Champions League title, whilst Atleti won the Europa League for the third time this decade.
The pair face off tonight in the UEFA Super Cup – held for the first time at Tallinn’s 15,000 capacity A. Le Coq Arena.
Ahead of this continental curtain-raiser, the Coral News Team have all the info in another Big Match Breakdown…
Head-to-Head
These capital city rivals will face off for the 210th time tonight. And it’s a fixture Real have historically dominated, with 109 wins to Atletico’s 55.
However, it’s been a much more even contest in recent times. Three of the last five meetings have finished level, with one win apiece.
Last season produced two hard-fought draws, with the most recent clash a 1-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in April.
Likely XIs
For the first time in a decade, Real begin a season without Cristiano Ronaldo. But there have also been key additions. Keeper Thibaut Courtois is likely to make his debut in Tallinn.
Real had plenty of success with their 4-3-1-2 system last season. That midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luca Modric are likely to sit behind Isco once again.
Atletico are dangerous on the flanks, with boss Diego Simeone favouring a 4-2-2-2 system. Marquee signing Thomas Lemar is likely to start on the left wing, and cut inside to service Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa.
Key Battles
With Real likely to play a narrow system, and Atleti dangerous out wide – there could be a fascinating battle on the flanks.
Lemar is likely to feature on the left wing for Simeone’s side, and could provide a tricky test for Dani Carvajal. On the other side, Marcelo could potentially struggle with the pace of Angel Correa.
For Real, this will be a first real test of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as a front two. The pair have rarely comprised a lone duo up front, due to Ronaldo’s involvement. Teen prodigy Vinicius Junior might also feature from the bench.
Match Odds
Real are favourites to win this game in 90 minutes, at odds of 7/5. It’s 21/10 for an Atleti victory in normal time, with 9/4 for extra-time.
Los Blancos are 7/1 to lift the trophy, with Simeone’s men a shade of odds-against at 21/20.
In the Goalscorer markets, Antoine Griezmann is 7/5 favourite Anytime. And the Frenchman is 9/2 to grab Two or More Goals.
Real’s best bet could come in Bale at 17/10 Anytime. Meanwhile, he’s 9/2 to break the deadlock.
With plenty of attacking talent on show and a recent history of draws, this clash could well finish 1-1 after 90 minutes at 5/1.
Click here for the latest UEFA Super Cup odds from Coral.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
