El Derby Madrileno takes place tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu. Interestingly, Atletico Madrid have won 8 of their 9 King's Cups in this famous stadium, despite it not being a good hunting ground for them in the last 15 years. The rojiblancos have not tasted victory over Real Madrid in 25 matches to date. Even players like Kun Aguero, Diego Forlan, Fernando Torres and Simao Sabrosa couldn't lead Atletico to victory. Diego Simeone has a rotten record v Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid. That is unlikely to change tonight. It is not a prophecy.
Both sides have met 4 times before in the Final of this competition. 1960, 1961, 1975, 1992. The Colchoneros got the better of their city rivals in the first two, then Real took the honours in 1975, before they lost again in 92. The bragging rights belong to EL CHOLO Simeone's side. But that 25 match winless streak will play into their minds. Los Merengues are unbeaten at the Bernabeu this season with 23 wins and 5 draws in all competitions. The only side who can boast of that kind of feat in Europe's Top five Leagues. The 'whites' have scored in 19 consecutive cup ties since January 2011. Only Espanyol have prevented Real Madrid from claiming the three points in the last five games. Today's encounter is very important for the 9-time European Champions. Lose and it will be a season to forget especially for Jose Mourinho. The turmoil and disarray evident in the Merengues dressing room has overshadowed every good thing they might have achieved. The constant squabbles between Mourinho, Casillas and Ramos has extended to the rest of the squad including Mou's long time pal, Pepe. The 30 year old defender publicly criticised his manager for disrespecting the institution that is Iker Casillas. No one can throw a tantrum at Mou and go scot-free. The man retaliated by dropping him from the team. He has a challenge on hsi ahnds tonight because his preferred choice to partner Sergio Ramos is injured. French kid, Rapha Varane is out for the rest of the season. The question now is...Will Mou recall Pepe or keep faith with Albiol? Going by his antecedents, he will do the latter, but you never know.
Atletico and Diego Simeone are pumped up for this exceedingly crucial game. They know the much talked about 15 year jinx must be broken someday. What other occasion could be better and more suitable than tonight's?Mario Suarez has been declared fit in time for the match and they could yet line up the same way as in the 2-1 loss to Real at the Calderon a few weeks ago.
REAL MADRID LINEUP (PREDICTED)-
Diego Lopez, Essien, Ramos, Pepe/Albiol, Coentrao, Khedira, Modric, Alonso, Ozil, CR7, Benzema
Sergio Ramos made a rallying cry a couple of days ago for his teammates and management to sheath their swords at least for the battle royale. He called for the team to be united and suspended all ongoing power tussles to enable them focus on a season defining match. They appear to agree with their vice-captain. For victory to be attained, unity was reign. That will not change who keeps the goal safe. Diego Lopez is set to be chosen ahead of San Iker yet again and he thoroughly deserves it.
ATLETICO MADRID (PREDICTED)-
Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Turan, D. Costa, FALCAO
The rojiblancos are reliant on the Tiger of Santa Marta. Who wouldn't? The Colombian superstar has scored 33 goals this season and his 28 in La Liga is third highest to CR7's 34 and Messi's 46. If they are to win their 10th CDR tonight, it depends largely on Radamel FALCAO.. His strike partner, Diego Costa is the top marksman in the competition with 7 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo is not far behind on six and he has scored eight goals against the Colchoneros in as many matches. Thibaut Courtois and his defence have conceded the least goals in La Liga this term and will hope to keep out Los Merengues tonight.
Ohireime P Eboreime
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