In their last meeting, Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid secured a 5-3 victory over Atletico, ultimately winning the Supercopa de Espana in Riyadh. Now, Los Blancos turn their attention to defending another hard-earned knockout crown in the Copa del Rey.
The Supercopa de Espana semi-final between Atletico and Real witnessed a spectacular six-goal affair in the initial 90 minutes, requiring extra time to determine a winner. Unfortunately for Atletico, an own goal by Stefan Savic and a goal by Brahim Diaz resulted in a defeat, preventing them from claiming the Supercopa title in Saudi Arabia.
Despite recent shortcomings in the Supercopa, Atletico Madrid remains hopeful of Copa del Rey success. Their journey includes a 3-1 victory over third-tier Lugos in the last 32, with Memphis Depay's second-half brace sealing the win after a tied first period. However, Atletico has struggled during a challenging winter period, winning only two of their last six games.
Atletico faces a Real Madrid side that is on an impressive run, with seven consecutive victories. Real Madrid's last loss in a competitive setting occurred 21 games ago, with Diego Simeone's Atletico being the architect of that defeat. Notably, Atletico secured a 3-1 victory in their La Liga clash in September.
Real Madrid, having recently claimed their 13th Supercopa title, resumes their defense of the Copa del Rey honor, starting with a 3-1 win against Arandina in the last-16 of the 2022-23 edition.
As both teams prepare for another epic Madrid derby, Atletico fans hope for revenge at the Metropolitano Stadium, where their team emerged victorious in the previous La Liga encounter. The stage is set for another intense battle for supremacy.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Despite returning from their recent competition without winners' medals, there were no major injury concerns for Atletico Madrid on their flight back to Madrid. However, Memphis Depay, dealing with an adductor issue, is expected to, at best, make it to the bench for the upcoming match.Unfortunately, left-back Reinildo will be absent as he's been called up to represent Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations. Long-term absentees Vitolo (ACL) and Thomas Lemar (Achilles) won't be available for Los Rojiblancos either.
Pablo Barrios will undergo assessment due to an illness, but Saul Niguez is likely to continue in the midfield trio with Koke and Rodrigo de Paul.
As for Real Madrid, coach Ancelotti is likely to work with the same group of players from their successful Supercopa campaign. However, Aurelien Tchouameni, though not in jeopardy, did not participate in team training on Tuesday as a precaution.
Unfortunately, Lucas Vazquez (thigh) will miss out once again, along with the ACL victims Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and David Alaba.
If Ancelotti decides not to risk Tchouameni from the start, Eduardo Camavinga is the likely choice to fill the void. Additionally, Andriy Lunin has been confirmed by the Real Madrid boss to start in goal over Kepa Arrizabalaga.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Hermoso; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Morata, Griezmann
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Fernandez, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Jr
EXPERT PREDICTION
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid
Given that Simeone's team has had a more extended recovery period from their Middle Eastern endeavors, a potentially fatigued Real Madrid might find the upcoming challenge more demanding. There's a considerable chance that their defense of the Copa del Rey could come to an end against their motivated rivals.
