Saturday 7th March 2009, 8:00 pm (CET), Estadio Santiago Bernebeu.
The Madrid derby has always been the centre of attention every time it is played. This season, it comes at a very crucial time, a test for Real Madrid with a fair reward, Atletico’s way back on the right track and also a game for both the coaches to prove their teams can deal with the pressure resulting from the rivalry.
Last meeting
The last meeting between the two teams was as exciting as always. Real Madrid avoided the draw after winning a penalty with only 60 seconds remaining; Higuain gave Los Blancos the lead, canceling out Simao’s equalizer scored in stoppage time. Both the teams were reduced to ten men in the first half, as Ruud Van Nistelrooy(scored the opener) and Paulo Assunção were both sent off.
High Spirits
Atletico are showing signs of good form after defeating Barcelona in a 7 goal thriller at the Vicente Calderon therefore Los Roji Blancos are confident. On the other hand Los Blancos look for their 11th consecutive win in the league, but in the absence of the backbone of their defence, Pepe.
Historical facts
History doesn’t favor Atletico much at the Bernebeu. Atletico Madrid haven’t won at the Bernebeu since 1999. Another interesting fact is about Los Merengeus’s skipper, Raul. ‘El capitan’ has scored 11 goals in 24 derbies. Gonzalo Higuain also seems to score every time against Atletico and he also scored the winner against them at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season.
Tactical Overview
>Lineups
Juande Ramos is likely to adopt the following starting lineup:
Iker Casillas, Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Cannavaro, Heinze, Lassana Diarra, Fernando Gago, Arjen Robben, Gonzalo Higuain, Raul Gonzalez(C), Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Seems like an all star Real Madrid team, with the best possible players utilizing the available positions. Michel Salgado will get his first taste of the year, taking the
Right-back position, as in the absence of Pepe, Sergio Ramos will play as a Centre-Back.
Fernando Gaga returns and will probably partner with Lass in Defensive Midfield role. While upfront, Arjen Robben will acquire the left flank and Higuain on the right, partly acting as an assisting striker to both Raul and Huntelaar. ‘The Hunter’ and ‘El Capitan’ will both partner further up, with Raul involving himself in an assisting role to Huntelaar quite often, giving Higuain his chances upfront.
Huntelaar will be the man to watch as he is almost done adapting to Real Madrid’s style of play, scoring 4 goals so far. ‘The Hunter’s’ meeting with the press earlier shows confidence, as he also predicted a win for his side. Sergio Ramos will play a vital role in defence as he will be given the job to mark Kun Aguero. Juande Ramos seems aware of the problem and has recently talked about the threat from Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan. Tight marking is expected on the two ‘Roji Blanco’ stars.
Meanwhile, Abel Resino will trust his lineup against Barcelona.
Leo Franco, John Heitinga, Pablo Ibanez, Tomas Ujfalusi, Antonio Lopez, Raul Garcia, Paulo Assuncao, Simao, Maxi Rodriguez(C), Diego Forlan, Kun Aguero.
Like their counter-parts Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan, Arjen Robben and Raul are expected to be shackled by Atletico’s defense; Abel Resino and Deigo Forlan’s statements are enough evidence of this fact. Simao scored for the Roji Blancos last time and will therefore again be the player to watch along with hotshots Diego Forlan and Kun Aguero.
Prediction
An epic encounter is expected at the Bernebeu, considering the fitness, mental state and current form, much doesn’t seem wrong with Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s prediction. 2-1 is what ‘The Hunter’ predicted; he might as well be on the score sheet for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Possible Scorers: Raul, Huntelaar(Real Madrid) , Diego Forlan(Atletico Madrid).
What are your predictions of the score, possible scorers and starting lineups? What strategies do you think the coaches will go for? Comment and discuss the facts with others!
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