In a thrilling rematch of their recent Spanish Supercopa clash, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to face off in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The rivalry between these two powerhouse teams promises an intense battle at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.
Recent Form and Stakes: Real Madrid enters the match on a high, having secured the Supercopa title with a 4-1 victory over Barcelona, courtesy of Vinicius Junior’s hat-trick. The team is currently on a seven-game winning streak and a 21-game unbeaten run. However, Atletico will be eager to avenge their 5-3 defeat in the Supercopa semifinal and disrupt Real’s momentum.
Key Details and Kickoff Time:
- Date: Thursday, January 18
- Kickoff Time: 9:30 p.m. local time
- USA: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Canada: 3:30 p.m. ET
- UK: 8:30 p.m. GMT
- Australia: Friday, January 18, 7:30 a.m. AEDT
- India: Friday, January 18, 2:00 a.m. IST
How to Watch:
- USA: ESPN+
- India: FanCode
Predicted Lineups: Atletico Madrid (3-5-2, right to left):
- Oblak (GK) — Hermoso, Witsel, Gimenez — Llorente, Saul, Koke, De Paul, Lino — Morata, Griezmann.
Real Madrid (4-3-3 right to left):
- Lunin (GK) — Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Garcia — Camavinga, Bellingham, Modric — Valverde, Joselu, Vinicius Jr.
Match Analysis: Real Madrid’s recent dominance will be put to the test as they face an Atletico side hungry for revenge. Atletico’s home advantage and the lingering memory of their September victory over Real add to the intrigue. Diego Simeone’s squad, despite some inconsistency this season, will be looking to exploit any vulnerabilities in Real’s defense.
Recent Head-to-Head:
- Atletico Madrid 4-2 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey 2024, Extra Time)
Player Focus:
- Vinicius Junior’s stellar performance in the Supercopa final makes him a player to watch.
- Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata’s goal-scoring prowess for Atletico adds firepower to the matchup.
Expert Picks and Odds:
- Real Madrid: +145
- Atletico Madrid: +170
- Draw: +240
Soccer Insider Jon “Buckets” Eimer’s Prediction: Eimer, known for his accurate soccer predictions, sees this matchup as a tight contest. Check SportsLine for detailed insights and picks.
Conclusion: As the Madrid derby unfolds in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, fans can expect a spectacle of skill, intensity, and fierce competition. The outcome of this clash will have significant implications for both teams’ pursuit of silverware in the ongoing season. Don’t miss the action as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid battle for supremacy on the pitch.