Copa del Rey: Real Madrid to wear Atletico down after break
Published:
Atletico Madrid hold a commanding 2-0 lead over holders Real Madrid from the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 clash and the defensively-sound Spanish champions are sure to make life difficult again in the Bernabeu.
In the other televised Copa del Rey clash on Wednesday night, Barcelona’s tie with struggling La Liga outfit Elche looks a foregone conclusion thanks to a five-goal advantage for the Catalan kings.
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid: Half-time/Full-time – Draw/Real Madrid @ 7/2
Much has been made of the fact Atletico have won three and lost none of the four Madrid derbies this season.
It is certainly a mightily impressive run of results, built largely on the defensive solidity and relentless work rate which combined to land them the league title last season.
On their own turf though and with a trophy still to defend, Carlo Ancelotti’s side can are still capable of pulling off a victory, especially after triumphing 3-0 at home in the competition last season against Atleti.
Expect Diego Simeone’s men to dig in and protect their lead, which means a fourth Madrid derby of the current campaign going into the break all square could well be on the cards.
Whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo and co can even score enough goals to force extra time is debateable, though a 13th home win of the season in all competitions feels within reach after Atletico were sunk 3-1 in the league by Barca last time out.
Elche v Barcelona: Pedro to score first @ 4/1
Spanish international Pedro has been starved of starts since Luiz Suarez’s ban expired at the end of October.
However, in a virtual dead rubber game such as this Luis Enrique is seems sure to give him a run out, especially after Pedro notched four goals, including a hat-trick, over two legs in the last round.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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