Copa del Rey 2022-2023: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

On Thursday night, Copa Del Rey is back for the Round of eight

The Los Blancos have made a comeback after their recent upset against Barcelona in the Supercopa De Espana final in which they lost 3-1 to the Blaugranas as they defeated Villareal and Athletic Bilbao in Copa Del Rey and LaLiga respectively. There has been a gruesome race between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the LaLiga in the past few weeks but Real Madrid have had a relatively disappointing run which sees them second in the La Liga table as of now three points behind their rivals.

However, Ancelotti will be eyeing the prestigious Copa Del Rey title, a glorious trophy that the Los Blancos have clinched for a record 19 times. They had to scrape out a result against Villareal in the Round of 16 fixture as they found themselves behind by 2 goals in half time to make a comeback and win the tie by 3-2. They have not managed to win this elusive trophy since 2013-14 campaign and were thrashed out in this stage last season by Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid form (all competitions): W-W-L-W-L

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions): W-W-D-L-W

Atletico Madrid on the other hand have had a strange run of form in the past few weeks as they managed a draw, a loss and a win since the turn of the year but have managed to make a decent comeback as they defeated Levante and Real Valladolid comfortably. A Champions league spot is on the cards for them as they sit at 4th in the table locked on points with Villarreal having played equal number of games.

In Copa el Rey, they have looked much more reasonable this time around after their shocking exit in the second round last season courtesy of third-tier Cornella by 1-0. They have also not managed to win this trophy since 2012-13 and will be eager to get their hands on this one as the league title now looks out of sight for them with Barcelona leading by 13 points having played a game less than them.

Kick-off:

Thursday, 26th January; 07:00 pm (GMT)Friday, 27th January; 01:30 am (IST)

Player to watch

Karim Benzema

His goal might have been a late consolation against Barcelona in the Supercopa De Espana final, but the 2022 Ballon d’or winner still remains the most potent threat for Ancoletti as he netted a vital goal against Athletic Club to give them a 2-0 vital away victory at the San Mames. Netting 11 times this season across all competitions, he has become more of an overall forward who can play at any position nowadays.

Atletico Madrid

Antoine Griezmann

A versatile player, he is known for his attacking, passing and supportive defence, and has played as an attacking midfielder, winger, and striker throughout this season. A vital part of Simeone’s side, he has been at the helm of almost everything that refurbishes the Los Colchoneros. He has scored 7 times and has 9 assists in his name in the current season for Atletico Madrid.

Match facts

• Real Madrid defeated the Los Colchoneros by 2-1 the last time they met in La Liga in September 2022.
• Real Madrid have been undefeated at the Santiago Bernabeu in 10 different occasions this campaign but have managed to keep only one clean sheet in this run.
• Atletico Madrid have managed to beat Real Madrid only two times in the last thirteen fixtures between these clubs but they are playing considerably well on the road with four wins and a draw in their last five away outings.

Injury and team news

Real Madrid have had some injury concerns lately but there have been more issues of fatigue in their ranks after their recent set of away fixtures in a row. Lucas Vazquez will be out for a few more weeks as his concerns with a sprained ankle continues while Aurelien Tchouameni (calf) and David Alaba (calf) are also major concerns for Ancelotti. The rest of the squad are in line for action but Ancelotti will have to make some changes if things do not pan out the way he expects to. Marco Asensio might see himself out of the starting XI. With a returning Federico Valverde and Rodrygo set to make a comeback.

The signing of Memphis Depay has certainly improved Atletico’s forward lineup and he is expected to start ahead of Alvaro Morata who hasn’t been firing on all cylinders in the recent weeks. Stefan Savic and Sergio Reguilon are both available to return from suspension while Jose Maria Gimenez still remains a doubt as he missed the last three matches with a muscle problem.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches: 171

Real Madrid: 91

Draws: 40

Real Madrid: 40

Predicted lineup

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr

Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (4-4-2):

Oblak; Molina, Savic, Hermoso, Reinildo; Llorente, De Paul, Kondogbia, Carrasco; Griezmann, Depay

Prediction

This will be a close encounter between two La League sides who are well balanced and under good guidance. Despite the fact that the Los Blancos are not soaring as high as they aim to be in the recent weeks. They will still be the favourites to grab this one with renewed hope and energy after losing the Supercopa De Espana final against Barcelona. Although Diego Simeone’s side have been in a considerable run of form in away fixtures. The urge of Real Madrid might just see them through this fixture who are unbeaten in 10 home games in Santiago Bernabeu this season.

Prediction:  Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Where to watch?

India – N/AUK – N/AUSA – ESPN+Nigeria – Live Soccer TV