Verdict: Half-Time/Full-Time Atletico Madrid
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Level on points in fourth and fifth in La Liga standings respectively, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis go head to head in what could potentially become one of the most interesting matches of La Liga this weekend.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid extended their unbeaten run to six matches in a row thanks to a comfortable 3-1 triumph over Club Brugge KV in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Los Rojiblancos recovered well from their only defeat in the season thus far – at Celta Vigo earlier in September – and seem to be gaining momentum at the moment.
The Ballon d’Or nominee Antoine Griezmann scored twice as Los Rojiblancos made it two wins out of two Champions League games to join Borussia Dortmund on top of Group A. Atletico Madrid are now shifting focus back to La Liga and will most certainly hope the Frenchman will extend his goalscoring run. The World Cup champions is coming off from a highly successful season both at the club and internationally but went through a relatively silent start of the new campaign. This week’s Champions League break will be a timely morale boost for the Atletico Madrid striker who only has two goals in seven La Liga matches. Apart from goals, Griezmann’s contribution to Atletico Madrid’s play is immense and we have no doubt he will be the one to keep an eye on against Real Betis.
Team News
Atletico Madrid are struggling with a couple of injuries to their star men as defender Stefan Savic and Vitolo are both unavailable for selection.
The summer recruit Gelson Martins is suffering from a knee injury and will join the aforementioned pair in the medical room.
Real Betis
Sitting as high as fifth in La Liga standings, Real Betis are behind their weekend’s rivals Atletico Madrid on goal difference. The Andalusians have lost only one match in the new season – at the very opening of the new La Liga campaign – and are bursting with confidence on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Real Betis warmed up for the weekend clash in Madrid with a midweek Europa League duel against Dundelange. Los Beticos recorded a clear-cut 3-0 victory but were nevertheless made to sweat for their victory. Antonio Sanabria broke the deadlock four minutes before the hour mark while Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Tello gave hosts a breather with another two in the final ten minutes of the match. Real Betis were playing their usual possession-based game and it will be interesting to see whether they will be able to maintain the style at Wanda Metropolitano as well on Sunday.
Team News
The 29-year-old Morocco defender Zouhair Feddal has yet to recover from an injury he sustained earlier in September and remains the only unavailable Real Betis player.
Key Factors to Consider
Atletico Madrid and Real Betis both lost only one match in all competitions this season
Los Rojiblancos are unbeaten in last 6, Real Betis in last 9 games
Atletico Madrid kept a clean sheet in three of their last four outings
Real Betis have yet to concede a goal in last three matches
Betis last won in Madrid back in April 2008
Conclusion
Both Atletico Madrid and Real Betis are enjoying a great run in all competitions at the moment. With only goal difference separating them in the La Liga standings, the two sides will be keen to get one over their direct top-four rivals and maintain their positive stretch. The visitors failed to win in last eight trips to Madrid and we tend to believe the run will only extend.
Verdict: Half-Time/Full-Time Atletico Madrid
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