Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid – Copa del Rey – Quarter Final
Real Madrid Summary
Real Madrid bounced back from a couple of disappointing performances and results in the last seven days. The last of which was the confidence boosting league win over Athletic Club on Sunday evening. That impressive victory was after progressing to the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey with an epic 2-3 comeback win over Villarreal.
The Cup was not extremely high on the agenda compared to the league and champions league, but Ancelotti knows the importance of progressing now they are up against their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid.
The manager was so concerned by the game in Basque country that he kept Modric on ice on Sunday. The fully fit and fresh Croatian will start here to boost the spine of the side.
David Alaba is also cleared for a full return while Dani Carvajal, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Lucas Vásquez sit this game out along with the almost forgotten Eden Hazard.
Atletico Madrid Summary
Atletico Madrid’s form and momentum have improved since the return from the World Cup according to Simeone.
Almost ending doubts over his future at the club, it appears Simeone has agreed to stay at the club on condition he makes the team more entertaining.
Reading between the lines of what is made public, it seems like the board want to lose the perception of Atletico being viewed around Europe as an ugly side which bend the rules in their favour. It is highly unlikely those guidelines are followed for games of this size against the bitter rival however!
Atletico has leaned on the cup this season to boost or regain morale and confidence, and if they could beat Real and get into the semi-final then it would be a massive achievement.
Simeone trained on Tuesday showing an attacking 4-3-3 formation, but the following day the session gave little away while it was open to the media.
Team news is most positive for the visitor. Savic and Gimenez return and likely to set up in a 5-3-2. The only absence is Marcos Llorente who is injured, he is a regular when fit but as he is so versatile, it is difficult to call this a big loss.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where the favourite for this game is Real Madrid @ 1.95. The draw in 90 minutes is @3.55, while the visitor Atletico Madrid to win is @ 3.80. Nothing stands out at these prices, but the draw holds most appeal of the three options.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Real Madrid -0.5 needs to win in order for backers of this handicap @ 1.94. Atletico Madrid +0.5 with the draw onside look more appealing @ 1.84. The visitor will be well supported and extremely well motivated, they can at least take this to extra time if they play their best.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all which looks well set at 2.5. Over is priced @ 1.92 while the Under is @ 1.91. An entertaining and lively contest is expected but that does not guarantee goals. Furthermore, if tempers flare too much there is a chance the match is bogged down and a red card could damage the prospect of goals, so I’d not even consider being involved in the goal market.
