Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid : Five Things to Watch For
By Vijay Vemu
5. Will Atletico Madrid’s fitness be an issue?
It will certainly be a game that tests Atletico Madrid’s fitness. After playing in the Netherlands, they will have to come back to Spain and play a game just three days later. Also consider that this game is against Real Madrid and Atletico will likely be chasing the ball a lot in this game. Although their possession stats are very close (Real Madrid at 55% and Atleti at 50%), Atletico’s style must be taken in to consideration.
They love to pressure and hit teams on the counter and are more than fine with Real Madrid passing the ball around for a majority of the game. They are defensively sound and the counterattack is always on option for them. But they have to make sure that they take their chances and be clinical in their finishes. There’s always a risk with letting one team control possession and if you don’t take your chances when given to you, you will be punished.
Either look for some lineup changes or less pressure from Atletico Madrid but I wouldn’t count on that as Diego Simeone is known for making his players run and run and run. Let’s see how much of an issue the tired Atletico Madrid legs are at the end of the game. One lapse could cost them points in this matchup.
Next: 4. Atletico's intensity