Skip to main content

Real loss shifts momentum to Atletico ahead of Madrid derby

Atletico Madrid might have been dreading Saturday’s derby with Real Madrid two weeks ago following a bad start to the La Liga season, but the momentum has suddenly shifted Diego Simeone’s side’s way as they head to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Lopetegui
After taking a measly five points from their opening four games, Atletico appear to have turned a corner with convincing wins over Getafe and Huesca, moving to within two points of front-runners Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Victory on Saturday would lift them above their bitter city rivals and Real’s flying start under coach Julen Lopetegui was derailed by a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Sevilla.
Atletico have bragging rights from the last time the two teams met in August, winning a thrilling UEFA Super Cup match 4-2 in extra-time to end their European hoodoo against Real, who beat them in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals.
They appeared to suffer a hangover from that win following draws against Valencia and Eibar and a defeat by Celta Vigo but looked back to their rugged best in their 2-0 win over Getafe and 3-0 stroll against Huesca.
“I’m happy because the team have started to look like the Atletico we all want to be,” Atletico winger Angel Correa said after beating Huesca.
“It’s going to be an intense derby which I’m sure will be decided by the thinnest of margins.”
Despite Real’s dominance in most European matches with Atletico, Simeone’s side have a remarkable record at the Santiago Bernabeu, where they have not lost a league game since December, 2012, when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
Real will be without key playmaker Isco after he underwent surgery this week to treat an appendicitis while Marcelo is a doubt after hurting his calf against Sevilla.
Lopetegui may decide to recall Keylor Navas in goal after an unconvincing display against Sevilla from Thibaut Courtois, who spent three seasons on loan at Atletico and whose plaque at the club’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium was vandalised following his move to Real from Chelsea in August.
The Real coach has admitted his side were outplayed against Sevilla.
“When we win a game we prepare for the next one naturally and we’ll do the same after this defeat,” Lopetegui said.
“These things happen in a league season and they happen to every team.
“In three days we have another demanding game and we’re going to lift ourselves up quickly and prepare for the game with the maximum intensity.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Libya vs Nigeria: Jamilu Collins reveals four things Super Eagles coach, Rohr told him

Super Eagles and Paderborn of Germany defender, Jamilu Collins has revealed four things that manager, Gernot Rohr told him before his first competitive international game for Nigeria against Libya on Saturday in the 2019 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying fixture. Three goals from Changchun Yatai star, Odion Ighalo, and a goal from Kalu Uche, ensured that the Super Eagles took all three points in Uyo. Collins, who played full 90 minutes, said that Rohr told him to enjoy himself, play to his abilities, keep it simple and not to be eager to impress anyone. “The coach told me to enjoy myself and play to my abilities. Keep it simple and don’t be eager to impress. That helped calmed my nerves before stepping onto the pitch, to be honest I was surprised by the decision to start me”, the 24-year-old told Owngoalnigeria.com. “I have since taken my mind off the game. I’m fully focused on tomorrow’s game as a team that is our aim and getting a good result will translate to qualifica...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Nigerian Senate Condoled With Family Of Beautiful Red Cross Worker Killed By Boko Haram

The Senate on Tuesday condoled with the family of Hauwa Liman, a worker with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), who was killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Monday, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports. This followed a Point of Order by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, at plenary. The lawmakers while observing “a two-minute” silence for the deceased, also urged the Federal Government to immediately ensure the release of the last ICRC volunteer still in Boko Haram captivity. The Upper Chamber also urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate release of Leah Sharibu, the lone Dapchi School girl still in Boko Haram captivity. It mandated the Committee on Security and National Intelligence to meet with security chiefs to find lasting solution to insecurity in the country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the death of the 24-year-old medical aid worker in the hands of the sect was confirmed by the Federal Government and ICRC on M...
Post a Comment
Read more

Much ado about a 12 year old pregnant South African girl

A pregnant 12-year-old went viral after posting her pregnant photos on social media. The little girl captioned her photos ‘pregnant and proud’ . She has since received mixed reactions from social media users. In a shocking twist,the father responsible is also an underage teenager. He is reportedly 14-years-old and is also seen with the young girl in some of the viral pictures. Check the photos below:
Post a Comment
Read more