La Liga giants Real Madrid host local rivals Atletico Madrid in a derby that will have a major influence on who wins the title. Join The Roar for live scores from 2am (AEDT).
Atletico and Real currently occupy second and third spot on the ladder, and neither team can afford a defeat if they wish to catch runaway leaders FC Barcelona.
Atletico and Real are eight and nine points behind Barcelona in the race to be crowned champions, so defeat may spell the end for that team’s campaign.
Real in particular are under increasing pressure to close the gap on Barcelona, who continue to enjoy great success at the expense of their arch-rivals.
Atletico meanwhile have punched above their weight again this season, after securing a fantastic La Liga triumph in 2013-14.
Under the guidance of inspirational coach Diego Simeone, Atletico continue to test the best teams, with a squad whose strength lies in its high workrate and defensive discipline.
Despite their lofty position on the ladder, Atletico have struggled to score goals in recent matches, and have dropped vital points at home as a result. Forward Antoine Griezmann has been in fine form, but he has yet to receive able support from other strikers such as Fernando Torres and Luciano Vietto.
Angel Correa is another talented youngster capable of providing a lot more for Atletico upfront, but is yet to hit top gear.
With limited firepower compared to Real, Atletico will once look to frustrate their rivals with their defensive discipline off the ball. Diego Godin is such a vital component to Atletico’s defensive structure and he will need to be at his best if he hopes to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez at bay.
Atletico have managed to significantly close the gap on their more illustrious rivals of late, with recent results in La Liga favouring Simeone’s men.
While a victory may seem out of the equation, a draw is a possibility between two teams desperate to avoid defeat.
Real and Atletico to draw 1-1
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