Real Madrid vs Atletico: Tensions in the derby of life and death

Real Madrid will host Atletico, in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, at 1:45 a.m. on May 3, at the Bernabeu. A derby match that promises to be very tense.

This is also the fourth consecutive season Real Madrid and Atletico have faced each other in the Champions League. In all three previous times, Real Madrid won the final against their neighbors.

Force information

Real Madrid have almost all their players in top form. Varane had a rest last weekend, so he will be at 100% fitness for the derby.

Real Madrid vs Atletico will enter a fiery derby

The home team only lost Gareth Bale, who is likely to be out for the rest of the season. But in reality, Bale's contribution this season has not been really significant.

Atletico really struggled when they visited the Bernabeu. After Juanfran and Vrsaljko were injured, Gimenez also had to go to the medical room for treatment. As a result, Atletico lost all their right-backs.

In addition, Carrasco is also uncertain to return to play after a sprain. This significantly affects Atletico's tight defense and fast attack style of play.

Form and head to head

Real Madrid have scored in 58 consecutive games this year. That's 158 goals in total. Real have lost just one of their last 15 games. But in their last 16 games, Real have kept just one clean sheet.

Atletico are unbeaten in their last 15 away games. In addition, in their last 13 games (excluding home and away games), Atletico have kept 9 clean sheets.

Real won 80% of their last 5 games. Atletico's winning percentage is 66%.

Head to head and recent form of Real Madrid vs Atletico

Meanwhile, since coach Simeone appeared, Atletico won 7, drew 7, Real won 8. In the last 5 meetings, only counting 90 minutes, each team won 1 and drew 3.

Strategy

Real Madrid will continue to play the familiar 4-3-3 style of coach Zinedine Zidane. Isco will most likely be used as the home team's right striker.

When he is in good form, Isco can drop back as a right winger. Real will then become a more balanced 4-4-2. Ronaldo and Benzema will form the striker pair.

Atletico have no right-back, so Savic will have to take on this role. Gaitan is likely to replace Carrasco at right midfield, with Koke on the left wing.

Expected lineup

Real Madrid (4-3-3):Keylor Navas - Dani Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo - Modric, Casemiro, Kroos - Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Atletico (4-4-2):Oblak - Savic, Lucas Hernandez, Godin, Filipe Luis - Gaitan, Saul, Gabi, Koke - Gameiro, Griezmann.

According to VNN