Sometime in the past, the undisputed champions of Madrid were Real Madrid. It has been out forward by some that are how their name even came about. However, there was another team in the capital who viewed them as their eternal rivals. That team was Atletico Madrid. In more recent times, we have seen that rivalry come to the fore. However, Real Madrid can brag that they have remained one step ahead of their rivals especially on the European front where they have twice removed Atletico Madrid in the finals of the Champions League. However, the ICC is none of that but a friendly game. This leaves the door completely open in what would be the latest game in this amazing rivalry.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid has found without Cristiano Ronaldo to be quite problematic. It has been proven to be so problematic that they had to bring back their former coach Zidane to give them a glimmer of hope. That move has brought a radical change in the team which is expected to even see Gareth Bale leave the club. More importantly, though, it has led to the purchase of Eden Hazard who is meant to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo. While things seem to be looking up, the injury which Arsenio suffered against Arsenal would surely be on the mind of Zidane heading into this game. He would surely want to make sure that his players remain fit heading into the new season. They would need all hands on deck.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid has played significantly well in their pre-season tour. They are however currently distracted by their little crisis with Barcelona and Griezmann outside the pitch. With time not on their side, they would be looking to bring as many replacements as they can to take the spot of their former talisman who has since left the club. A good display against Real Madrid would surely be enough to prove to them that they are still good enough to compete on the highest levels. Another thing which would surely give them confidence would be the disastrous form which Real Madrid are currently on.
Form
The former European champions have not won a game in four consecutive games. They got to this stage of the competition thanks to a penalty shoot-out against Arsenal after a draw with the English giants. Facing their eternal rivals in this kind of form would surely not be wanted. A loss here would see them kicked out of the competition for good.
A win for Atletico Madrid would see them progress forward in this competition. On paper, they have everything to progress. They have a far better form than Real Madrid and the momentum is currently with them at the moment. However, this is pre-season and with the teams not fully compact yet, a lot of things can happen. That would surely what would be on their minds of Real Madrid when they meet and they would want to exploit that to their benefit.
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